SIHLANGU REMAIN WINLESS AGAINST ZEBRAS

MBABANE – The treble of clashes between Eswatini and Botswana comes to an end next Sunday with a grand finale on the cards as one team must progress to the CHAN 2022 Qualifiers second round.

CHAN is an acronym of African Nations Championship and will be hosted in Algeria next January after a postponement forced by COVID-19. The national team, Sihlangu settled for a goalless draw against Botswana’s Zebras in the TOTALEnergies CAF CHAN Qualifiers first leg qualifier. This was the second meeting between the two nations in a space of eight days as they met in the COSAFA Cup 2022 Plate Competition semifinal in Durban, South Africa (SA).

The second leg of the CHAN Qualifiers will be played in South Africa at the Orlando Stadium. The result leaves Sihlangu winless against the Tswanas in 19 years, but next Sunday, despite having no home advantage due a CAF ban of local venues, Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre, leaves Eswatini having to win at all costs as a draw result such as 1-1, sees them (Sihlangu) out on away goal rule while a win takes them through to the second round and step away from Algeria finals. On the path to Algeria in the second round will either be Seychelles or Madagascar.

The game was played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana.  There was no change from the team that played in the COSAFA Cup as Dominic Kunene started with Sandanezwe Mathabela at goal with the striking force comprising of Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, Philani Mkhontfo and Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze who all shot blanks. However, Sikhali did not play any part against Botswana in the Plate semis, due to a shoulder injury alongside squad Captain Lindo Mkhonta.

Sihlangu were the first to get a chance at goal but Sikhali’s effort missed the target in the opening five minutes. Botswana also created some chances but they could not beat Mathabela and the match went to the break goalless. Sihlangu could have easily won the second-half but they missed all the chances that came their way. With five minutes before time, ‘Sikhali’ failed to beat the goalkeeper and definite man of the match on a one-on-one situation and that was the end of the match, but one of the chances also came off the woodwork with the Tswana keeper at sea. sihlangu will not be coming home from Botswana, but will settle in SA in preparation for the second leg match. The CHAN tournament excludes internationals, as only domestic players are eligible to play in it.

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