SANDILE’S GOAL ENDS SIHLANGU’S 17-MONTH LOSING STREAK

MASERU – Sihlangu finally ended its 17-month losing streak with 1-0 win over Lesotho in Maseru last night. Malanti Chiefs striker Sandile Hlatshwako in his first match in the colours of the senior national team colours, scored a minute before fulltime to seal an unforgettable victory for coach Harris Madze Bulunga in his first match in charge since being confirmed as full-time coach.

Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze provided the assist from a well taken corner kick which the lanky forward headed home at eight yards leaving the over 500 home fans disappointed.
It was a credible win for Sihlangu who last tasted victory at the same venue in October 2012 when Mthunzi Mkhontfo and Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo scored in a 2-1 victory during the coaching tenure of Belgian mentor Valere Billen.

Since then the team had failed to win in about seven official games, in the process losing 0-10 to Egypt in May last year.
However, they were far from losing yesterday as they seized control of the match from the first minute. The Sothos who unleashed a youthful squad made largely of members of the COSAFA Under-20 squad tried to take the game to their visitors, but Sihlangu stood resolute. Goalkeeper Nhlanhla made a brave save a minute before the recess, denying the troublesome Tsepo Lekhoana from close range. The forward also missed at 13 yards three minutes from the recess after having came face to face with Gwebu, but shot over the bar.

Madze made three changes in the last half taking off Mxolisi Lukhele for the goal scorer, Njabulo Ndlovu for Bheki ‘Djemba’ Dlamini and Barry Steenkamp for Muntu Mamba.
With the match set to end in a barren draw, Sandile struck at the death from Tony’s corner kick for a memorable victory. The two teams meet again tomorrow, in the last of the two friendly matches.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: