HEROIC SIHLANGU BEAT DRC, WIN BRONZE

Swaziland.....................................1
Sikhali 41st
Congo DR....................................0

MBABANE – Sihlangu scaled new COSAFA Castle Cup heights by earning a bronze medal yesterday after beating Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

It was the nation’s pride, Sihlangu Semnikati’s first win over DRC in 24 years, having last beaten them in September 1992 during a World Cup qualifier while the French speaking country – then called Zaire – was still ruled by the late dictator Mobutu Sese seko.

 The third and fourth place play-off was held at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek yesterday afternoon, and preceded the final pitting Bafana Bafana against Botswana later on.

Sihlangu coach Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga made six changes to his starting line-up from the team that lost 5-1 in the semi-finals to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Wednesday.

The changes worked out well for Madze’s troops, who had an improved game from the South Africa defeat, defending resolutely and attacking with great aplomb, which limited DRC from posing much of a threat.
It was a 41st minute well taken strike, a scorcher by Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, who was one of the best strikers to watch in the tournament hosted by Namibia.

He gave the keeper no chance at all from the edge of the box after midfielder Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo played a brilliant dummy to create space for the burly striker, who made no mistake to score his first goal in the tournament. He had been the most unfortunate striker in the tournament and for Swaziland despite having a splendid overall performance as he missed gilt-edged chances until this crucial goal – typical of ‘Sikhali’, who has on more than one occasion decided cup finals for his club, Mbabane Swallows.

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