By: Lwazi Dlamini
In Durban (King Zwelithini Stadium) ………..Referee’s optional time penalty by marksman Sabelo Ndzinisa saves Sihlangu some blushes as the dream of a quarter-final qualification remains very much alive.
Like a cat with nine lives, the national team, Sihlangu pulled a rabbit out of a hat when top striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa converted a penalty in referee’s optional time to force a 1-all draw with Malawi’s Flames at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The draw keeps Sihlangu’s dream of qualifying for the quarter-finals where Senegal’s Teranga Lions lie in waiting, very much alive. Zambian referee Hamalila Moonje was brave enough to award a late penalty after Malawian defender Precious Sambani upended late substitute Leon Manyisa inside the box in the 90+2 minutes. ‘Sikhali’ stepped up to convert his second goal of this year’s tournament and his seventh in history. The Mbabane Highlanders sharp-shooter is now two goals away from matching the COSAFA Cup leading goal-scorer, Felix Badenhorst’s record of nine goals.
Eswatini will face Lesotho on Sunday here at the King Zwelithini Stadium in what is a decider of Group B. Sihlangu won a bronze medal in the same tournament last year in Port Elizabeth. Playing too deep and allowing the Malawians to run at them, Sihlangu failed to click like they did against Mauritius in the 3-0 opening win on Wednesday. Dominic Kunene’s decision to bring in Neliswa Dlamini ahead of midfielder Sifiso ‘Junior’ Magagula, who had started the first match, looked to be a big gamble as the Manzini Wanderers midfielder, on his debut, struggled to keep up with the marauding Simba FC trickster, Peter Banda who was a joy to watch in the belly of the park.
A minute into the second half, Sihlangu conceded when the flat-footed defence was caught ball-watching by Khuda Myaba who scored from an awkward angle to give the ‘Flames’ the lead. Wing wizard Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba should have levelled matters six minutes after the hour-mark but he shot narrowly wide. Coach, Kunene realised his tactical blunder, pulling out Neliswa and bringing in Bongwa Matsebula who added some bite in midfield. Sihlangu goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela did well five minutes before full-time when he blocked a hard shot from Peter Banda right inside the box to keep the nation’s pride in the game.
Then came the defining moment two minutes into referee Moonje’s three minutes added time. Bongwa picked an on-rushing Manyisa on the right flank and the Mbabane Swallows, whose selection did raise some eyebrows, was upended by defender Precious Sambani leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
‘Sikhali’ obliged with a cool-as-a-cucumber finish to keep Sihlangu’s dream of a quarter-final qualification for the second successive time in the annual tournament very much alive.
TEAMS:
MALAWI – Clever Mkungula, Stanley Sadudi, Precious Sambani, Paul Ndhlovu, Miciam Mhone, Chimwemwe Idana, Mhango Gabadinho (Stenie Davie), Kelvin Kadzinje, Peter Banda, John Banda, Khuda Myaba (Chikoti Chirwa).
ESWATINI – Sandanezwe Mathabela, Lindo Mkhonta, Kwakhe Thwala, Peter Dlamini, Sihlangu Mkhwanazi, Mzwandile Mabelesa, Fanelo Mamba (Manyisa), Neliswa Dlamini (Sandile Gamedze), Sabelo Ndzinisa, Sifiso Matse (Khethokuhle Mkhontfo), Philani Mkhonto.
