CONGO TWO-GOOD FOR SIHLANGU

Congo.............. (0)2

Ibara 77th, Makiesse 81st 

Eswatini........... (0)0

MBABANE – Despite what looked like a promising first half performance, Sihlangu conceded two goals with 13 minutes to spare to go down 2-0 to Congo Brazzaville away at Stade Alphonsa Massemba Stadium yesterday.

Goals from Ibara and Makiesse were enough to seal a deserved victory for Congo Brazzaville against the 10-man Sihlangu. This was during the first leg of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. Young Buffaloes defender Siboniso Ngwenya was given marching orders after a crude tackle on Mazikou in the 83rd minute. This means that Sihlangu remain rooted at the bottom of the standings with zero points after three games in Group I standings. 

The nation’s pride had survived a minor scare at the stroke of half time when Gavoula missed a penalty. The game went into the breather with the scoreboard reading nil nil.

After resumption, the hosts continued to dominate the proceedings especially at the middle of the park. At a glance, Sihlangu were only man-marking and even when they were in control of the ball, they would lose it cheaply without making any meaningful impact.

At some point, Ncamiso’Mbhonyo’ Dlamini seemed to be the last man standing for Sihlangu as he made numerous crucial saves. 

Save

In the 54th minute, he made a save after Makiesse broke through the Sihlangu defence on the right flank. Two minutes later,substitute Nhlanhla Gwebu, who came in for the injured Mbhonyo also made another beautiful save to keep the score at 0-0.  Felix Badenhorst had a chance to give the visiting side a lead, but his weak shot was saved by Congo goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi on 59 minutes. 

Sandile Gamedze’s half chance remained just that after his attempt was blocked by the opposition defence on the hour mark. The hosts attacked in droves and they eventually opened the scorers chart on 77 minutes through Prince Vinny Ibara Doniama. 

He headed home from a Dimitri Magnoleke Bissiki cross from the left flank to make it 1-0. Four minutes later, substitute Junior Makiesse, who replaced Avounou doubled the scoreline for the home side. This was after Sihlangu were dispossessed after a poorly taken corner kick from Sandile Gamedze which was cleared off the box. He received a defence splitting pass from Fernand Mayembo to beat the advancing Gwebu from close range.

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