GALLANT SIHLANGU HOLD SENEGAL

DAKAR – So near yet so far.

Sihlangu came tantalisingly close to grabbing what would have been a famous win away from home against the star-studded Senegal yesterday, only to concede a late goal deep in injury time at Stade Lat Dior Stadium in Dakar. It was a courageous display from the Dominic Kunene-led charges who were given no chance against the Senegalese prior to the game but displayed a heart-warming performance to bow out of the 2022 AFCON Qualifiers with some dignity and respect. If truth be told, Sihlangu fought well enough to deserve maximum points after leading 1-0 for the entire 90 minutes of play but the referee’s shocking 10 minutes added time ensured that the home managed to steal the point right at the death.

Sihlangu had taken the lead in the 16th minute, thanks to a beautiful volley via the boot of Mbabane Highlanders’ left-back Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze. What a clinical strike! After this goal, Sihlangu resorted to be more defensive as they relied on counter attacks. Coach Dominic Kunene made several changes from the team that lost 1-3 to Guinea Bissau some days ago at the Mavuso Sports Centre as Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa and Justice Figuareido both started on the bench. The home side also rested several of their star players including England’s Liverpool FC star Sadio Mane, who was introduced in the 65th minute.

The goal that crushed Sihlangu’s hopes for a big win came in the 96th minute after a goalkeeping howler by Sandanezwe Mathabela, who allowed a harmless-looking shot to slip through his hands, gifting Cheikhou Kouyate who plays for Crystal Palace in England an easy chance to finish off the rebound. At this stage, Sihlangu were defending with their backs against the wall as Senegal pressed hard for the equaliser. Sihlangu captain Lindo Mkhonta was given marching orders towards the end of the game after a second bookable offence, forcing the visitors to finish with 10 men. The result means that Sihlangu finished the qualifiers with only a point under their belt as they lost all their other games. The local squad is expected back home by the weekend.

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