TWO MISTAKES COST SIHLANGU

PRETORIA – Disappointment loomed large as Sihlangu’s dreams of reaching the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Finals went up in smoke following a 0-2 defeat to Madagascar. Coach Zdravko Logarusic is left grappling with the costly errors that dashed their hopes for February’s tournament in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.

Eswatini now faces a daunting task when they meet the same opponents again on December 29 in Mauritius. To keep their dreams alive of qualifying for the TotalEnergies sponsored tournament for the first time, they must secure at least a 2-0 win, and ideally a 3-0 victory to avoid penalties. The loss was particularly hard to swallow, considering that Madagascar had never beaten Eswatini in their previous two encounters. Eswatini claimed a 1-0 victory in 2016 and managed a 1-1 draw in 2015.

What made this defeat even more disheartening was that Madagascar, who had been struggling in their last five games without a win, had achieved only two draws and three losses, while Sihlangu entered the match with two victories, one draw and two losses. The match unfolded under floodlights in the 28 000-seater stadium, yet less than 100 fans were in attendance. It started with both teams eager to seize control, creating chances on goal.

Eswatini nearly conceded in the opening minutes when a back pass from Fanelo Mamba put goalkeeper Xolani Gama under pressure. The visitors missed an opportunity to capitalise when they failed to score despite Gama being off his line. Sihlangu responded almost immediately; a breakaway pass from Philani Mkhonto found Junior Magagula, whose well-placed shot was cleared by defender Claude. In the 22nd minute, Madagascar found their stride as Cristiano received the ball on the left flank and unleashed a powerful shot past Gama, putting the visitors ahead.

Things quickly spiralled out of control for Eswatini, as Ndumiso Ndaba miscontrolled another back pass from Mamba just minutes later; Feno seized the moment to run past Gama and slot home Madagascar’s second goal. Frustrated by the blunders, Coach Logarusic made changes, bringing on Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane for Ndaba and substituting Philani Mkhonto with Bongi Kara’s Magagula in the 30th minute. The second half saw a more balanced approach, with Eswatini looking to reduce the deficit.

Ten minutes into the half, Junior Magagula came close, but his volley was deflected for a corner. As Eswatini pressed for a goal, their attacks failed in the final third. ‘Karas’ took on defenders and nearly added to the scoreline, but his efforts were thwarted by goalkeeper Nina with 20 minutes to go. Junior Magagula, who stood out for Eswatini amid the disappointment, nearly converted a free kick as the match drew to a close, but once again, the opportunity went astray.

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