‘G. BISSAU TOUGH BUT WIN POSSIBLE’

MBABANE – Local coaches believe Guinea-Bissau will be tough for Sihlangu but a win is possible.

Sihlangu take on the West African giants tomorrow away for the first leg encounter of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifier.
On paper, Guinea-Bissau are the favourites to win this one as they enjoy a better FIFA ranking compared to the locals.

Local coaches have admitted that it will be a very tough match for the Kostadin Papic-led side but a positive result is also possible.
Mbabane Highlanders head coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati said as a liSwati, it was his genuine wish to see Sihlangu win.

However, the reputable gaffer highlighted that winning was something which teams had to work for and Sihlangu must work extra hard to win.
“We have to dig deep to win against Guinea-Bissau. Winning is a combination of many factors and Sihlangu has been blowing hot and cold. We are consistent with draws,” said Vilakati.

The coach added that he did not know much about Guinea-Bissau but considering their better FIFA ranking, the match would surely be tough.
“In football anything is possible, but from where I stand, considering the team selection, I do not think it will be easy,” he said.
Vilakati noted the selection of players who are not active in the teams, however, he made it clear that he did not mean to criticise the national team head coach’s choice of selection.

“I would not like to criticise the coach’s selection. I think he chose players who will work for him regardless of leaving regular players in their clubs,” he said. In football, Vilakati said you reap what you sow.      

 
Meanwhile, Manzini Wanderers’ Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe said football was unpredictable. He said all depended on which team prepared best on the day.
“It will be tricky for me to say if Sihlangu are capable of winning against Guinea-Bissau.

The best people to have an idea are those on the technical bench as they know how best they have prepared for the game,” said Hlophe.

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He made an example of Barcelona who beat Liverpool in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League fixture. He said Liverpool unexpectedly won the second leg with many goals to proceed to the next round as they had prepared much better the next time.
“Rankings do not matter much but it is preparation and determination counts. Guinea-Bissau are ranked higher than us but it does not mean they will win,” he said.

Former Denver Sundowns coach Penuel Malinga also said anything was possible in football.
“History tells us that what is possible became impossible with Sihlangu, opportunities became a challenge.

History also tells us that we are unable to deal with pressure and therefore our chances are very complex,” said Malinga.
He, however, indicated that emaSwati must keep a positive attitude.

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