SIHLANGU PERFORMANCE HAILED BY COACH

NELSPRUIT - Sihlangu Coach Zdravko Logarusic described his team’s performance as having gifted their opponents a ‘manna from heaven’ following their narrow defeat.
His comments came in a post-match interview after Eswatini fell 1-0 to Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, two days ago. The only goal of the match came in the seventh minute when Gift Gamedze’s ill-judged back pass was intercepted by Mamadou Doumbia, who then supplied a low assist to Yves Bissouma. The  English Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur, midfielder fired a powerful volley from the edge of the box, beating Sandanezwe Mathabela with ease. “You know, I have been here barely a few days, but I can see some positives within the team. However, I feel we handed them a ‘manna from Heaven’ with that goal was incredibly naive. It was an individual error, but we learn every day. I instructed them to play safely, yet we conceded in the same manner as we did against Guinea Bissau, where we also lost 1-0,” remarked the Croatian coach.

provided

Manna, according to the Bible, is an edible substance which God provided for the Israelites during their travels in the desert during the 40-year period following the Exodus and prior to the conquest of Canaan. Logarusic acknowledged his players’ efforts, particularly given that they were competing against one of Africa’s top national teams, which boasts a plethora of players based in Europe. Meanwhile, Mali Coach Tom Saintfiet expressed satisfaction with his side’s victory. “In the first half, we were in complete control, which culminated in the goal. I believe we should have scored two or three more during that period, but we squandered our chances,” he said.

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