By Sibusiso Masilela
Eswatini……. (0) 0,
Botswana……(0) 0,
The new-look Sihlangu gave a promising display in their first game of the ongoing 2024 COSAFA Cup.
The youthful side managed to hold their hoodoo side to a goalless draw during the Group A opener played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday.
The Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane-led side was unshaken by the ‘Zebras’ after they claimed the scalp of the nation’s pride last year in the same tournament.
Ntibane paraded a few faces in the starting line-up, such as goalkeeper Colani Gama, Newman Philiso and Nsingizini Hotspurs defender Nkosingiphile Shongwe, among others.
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The ‘Zebras’ were first to ask questions with only a minute into action, with Olebogeng Ramotse’s rasping free kick, which forced a fine save from Colani Gama between the Eswatini sticks.
Sihlangu took control of the match with their swift attacking moves and they tested the opposition’s goalkeeper Victor James through a Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini shot.
Sihlangu gained confidence midway into the opening half with the combination of captain Kwakhe Tfwala andNeliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini in the belly of the park.
Tfwala nearly broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when his effort was blocked by the advancing opposition goalkeeper James.
Mbabane Swallows striker Ayanda Gadlela was unlucky not to register his name on the scoreboard when his rebound shot hit the crossbar from a rebound.
This was after a good combination of plays orchestrated by Bongwa Matsebula.
Sihlangu had a quiet second half, as they failed to create chances compared to the first half.
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This is despite the two offensive changes made by coach Ntibane by bringing in Junior Magagula and Sizolwethu Shabalala in place of Thubelihle Mavuso and Ayanda Gadlela.
In their next match, Sihlangu will face Mozambique on Saturday in another Group A encounter at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium.
Mozambique was due to take on the hosts Bafana Bafana on Wednesday at the same venue.
The teams
Sihlangu
Colani Gama, Philiso Newman, Mxolisi Manana, Nkosingiphile Shongwe, Gift Gamedze, Simanga Masangane, Thubelihle Mavuso (Junior Magagula) Neliswa Dlamini, Ayanda Gadlela (Sizolwethu Shabalala), Kwakhe Tfwala, Bongwa Matsebula.
Botswana
Victor James, Botsile Sakana, Atamalang Lesogo, Obakeng Senong, Teboho Kopelang, Ratlhogo Ratlhogo, Gape Thibedi, Olebogeng Ramotse, Molaodi Tlhalefang, Oarabile Sekwai, Eric Ookame.