CHANGE OF 4-TUNE FOR SIHLANGU

NELSPRUIT – Four-tune!

This phrase impeccably encapsulates Sihlangu’s resounding victory over Zimbabwe in the TotalEnergies African Nations Champions (CHAN) qualifiers, culminating in an impressive 4-0 aggregate scoreline. Eswatini triumphed 3-0 in the first leg, staged last Sunday in Botswana, before sealing the double with a 1-0 victory at Mbombela Stadium yesterday. Junior Magagula emerged as the standout performer, dazzling in both fixtures with a brace in the first leg and scoring the decisive goal in the second leg. This monumental victory propels Eswatini into the second preliminary round of the CHAN tournament, where they are set to face Madagascar at home during the week of December 20-22, followed by a visit to the island nation a week later.

For Eswatini, this victory signifies more than just a hard-won double; it marks the first defeat of the Warriors since 2010, setting the stage for a historic opportunity to qualify for the CHAN finals, scheduled for February 1-28, 2025 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, contingent on their success against Madagascar. In the match, the team, expertly guided by Zdravko Logarusic, displayed superiority, crafting at least four gilt-edged opportunities.

Early in the contest, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa squandered a chance to give Eswatini the lead, his feeble shot easily saved by Zimbabwean goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, who was reinstated for this encounter. Bongwa Matsebula also failed to convert a promising opportunity in the quarter-hour, his header narrowly missing the target. Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini came close again, but his inadequate shot was parried by Mapisa midway through the first-half.

The second half saw Sihlangu make critical substitutions; Junior Magagula replaced the underwhelming Philani Mkhonto and Mthokozisi Gwebu was withdrawn for Njabulo Thwala. These changes yielded immediate dividends, as Magagula seized a loose ball in midfield, surged forward and unleashed a spectacular 40-yard volley that beat goalkeeper Mapisa, who could only fumble it into the net. This moment ignited jubilation among the Sihlangu players and their technical bench. Despite Zimbabwe’s attempts to equalise, the resolute defensive line led by Sibongakonkhe Silenge held firm. The Takesure Chirangwi-coached side found themselves continually thwarted in the final third, their offensive efforts ultimately fruitless.

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