By Sabelo Gwebu | 2022-07-07

Mauritius........... (0)0
Sihlangu............ (1)3
Lindo 9th , Fanelo 79th, Sikhali 84th

SOCCER - SCINTILLATING football all-round, confident build-ups, unfortunately more misses than a love struck teenager but yet still, Sihlangu got off to a bright start here in Durban.

The nation’s pride took early control of Group B with a resounding 3-0 victory over a flat as punched tyre Mauritius in the historic King Zwelithini Stadium. After taking an early as the ninth minute lead through a Lindo Mkhonta penalty, Sihlangu showed signs of a fit team, especially after the hour mark as they burst to life to finish the game as a contest with two late goals.

The marauding Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba made up for his 47th minute miss with Sihlangu’s second after 79 minutes before Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa put the game to bed with a thunderbolt volley with five minutes of regulation time remaining.

‘Sikhali’, just like ‘Order’ was from missing a sitter, one-on-one with Mauritius goalkeeper Kevin Jean-Louis.

Coach Dominic Kunene named an attacking side with Philani Mkhonto and Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba supporting target man Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa and Junior Magagula on the number 10 hole.
There was definitely no reason not to win against a side that is lowly ranked at 179th by FIFA.

Mbabane Highlanders defender Peter Dlamini, Young Buffaloes flying winger Bongwa Matsebula and Mbabane Swallows midfielder Leon Manyisa were handed their first caps and with Nhlanhla Ngwenya on the bench, Kwakhe Thwala already established, the future of this team looks bright. The nation’s pride will now take on Malawi tomorrow afternoon at the same venue.

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