Africa-Press – Eswatini. Sihlangu……………………………….. (2)2
Saviola 14th, Sikhali 20th
Lesotho……………………………….. (0)0
They needed a win at all costs, and Sihlangu just did that.
The nation’s pride is through to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup after shrugging off Lesotho to win in Group B and set a date with guest nation Senegal on Wednesday.
Sihlangu had the job done in the opening 20 minutes with two quick goals from man-of-the-match Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze and game-a-goal striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa to win this group decider with a score margin of 2-0. A minute before the quarter hour mark, ‘Saviola’, the MTN Premier League top goalscorer reacted the quickest to stab home the opener from close range after Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane spilled a Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba long throw.
Six minutes later, ‘Sikhali’ doubled Sihlangu’s advantage, breaking through Likuena Likuena’s defensive line to meet a Sifiso Matse pass before taking a touch to slot past an advancing Moerane.
That was all coach Dominic Kunene needed from his boys, scoring early goals to settle the nerves. One thing about Kunene’s team, it fights bravely and the commitment is unquestionable. Lesotho took the game to Sihlangu in the second half but the boys defended resolutely.
With frustrations on Veslin Jelusic’s charges, they opted for rough play and ended the match with 10 men as Kopano Tseka was rightly given marching orders by Comoros referee Mohamed Athoumani for tripping a galloping ‘Sikhali’ who was through to goal. ‘Saviola’ should have added a second goal for himself with two minutes of regulation time remaining but he blasted over with goalkeeper Moerane at his mercy.
Sihlangu line-up
Sandanezwe Mathabela, Lindo Mkhonta, Kwakhe Thwala, Peter Dlamini, Sihlangu Mkhwanazi, Mzwandile Mabelesa, ‘Order’ Mamba, Sifiso Matse, ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Philani Mkhontfo (Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini)
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
