Sihlangu eliminated in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA CUP 2025

It was so near yet so far for Sihalngu SeMnikati as Eswatini failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup Group C match that was played at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. Eswatini needed a win to advance in the competition; unfortunately, Sihlangu suffered its first defeat of the tournament.

Eswatini started this match well as they shared the ball efficiently and created some goal scoring opportunities. In the 27^th minute, Junior Magagula’s shot was able to find the back of the Tanzania net, which was his second goal of the tournament. This was after a good run on the left flank by Justice Figareido who combined very well with the goal scorer. Junior Magagula’s effort was saved by Hussein Masalangu in the 37^th minute. Junior Magagula continued to trouble the Tanzanian defence as he penetrated it on the left flank and his shot was deflected for a fruitless corner.

In the 40^th minute, Tanzania implemented a counter-attack that provided Iddi Alli ample of space outside the Eswatini box, where he unleashed a hard shot that was too much for Bongiswa Dlamini who was earning his 3^rd cap. This was the equalizing goal for Tanzania. The referee from Madagascar blew the half time whistle with the score line at 1-1.

In the 2^nd half; Eswatini made a substitution that saw the introduction of Innocent Dlamini for Simanga Masangane. The latter’s presence was quickly felt by the opponents as he provided some stability in the Eswatini’s defence. Eswatini continued to search for the 2^nd goal as Sabelo Ndzinisa headed wide from Banele Sikhondze in the 47^th minute. Innocent Dlamini’s shot went wide in the 48^th minute. Another attack for Eswatini was initiated by Neliswa Dlamini in the 50^th minute, and he released Justice Figareido who found Innocent Dlamini in the box whose shot was blocked. In the 53^rd minute Junior Magagula shot wide with Eswatini desperate for the 2^nd goal.

Tanzania’s Sheikhan Khamis who was problematic for the Eswatini’s midfield, had his shot save by Bongiswa Dlamini in Eswatini goal. In the 67^th minute, Eswatini had a hope for the 2^nd goal when Sihlangu SeMnikati got a free kick in the 67^th minute after Philani Mkhontfo was fouled only for Junior Magagula’s shot to be saved by Hussein Masalanga of Tanzania.

Bongiswa Dlamini committed a thorny blunder when a tame shot by Sheikhan Khamis went through his legs and crossed the goal line which was the 2^nd goal for Tanzania in the 70^th minute. The match ended with Tanzania being victorious by 2-1 which confirmed Eswatini’s elimination from the tournament.