Swazi Observer

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SIHLANGU DIM KENYA STARS

By Qondile Ntiwane | 2018-05-26

SOCCER – A goal by veteran midfielder Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko left the Harambee Stars of Kenya shocked during an international friendly yesterday.

The result of the international friendly played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos will go a long way in boosting the confidence of the Anthony Mdluli led charges, as they prepare for their COSAFA Cup campaign which starts next Sunday at the Old peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, next Sunday.

The sloppy Stars were dimmed by a strike in the second half of the game through the Mbabane Swallows star who came in as a substitute.

In the absence of injured skipper Victor Wanyama, Migne handed Posta Rangers defender Joackins Atudo the armband, with KF Tirana’s Eric Ouma, Joash Onyango and Michael Kibwage all starting in the backline.

Kariobangi Sharks forward Ovella Ochieng was the lead striker for the day while Francis Kahata was handed the playmaking duties.

Signs of sloppiness were evident early on as Stars struggled to string passes together in the opening 20 minutes while the visitors sat back and waited to pounce on the counter.

Goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch almost cost the team in the 18th minute when he left his line early but failed to get to the ball, allowing Felix Bedenhorst to take a dangerous shot which missed the target.

Kahata made inroads into the Eswatini defence in the 20th minute, but took too long to pull the trigger before Sihlangu defender Lindo Mkhonta intervened.

Ovella had the best chance of the first half on 27 minutes, but his shot was saved by Sihlangu custodian Sandanezwe Mathabela.

A header from Whyvonne Isuza in the 35th minute also got the few fans on their feet in anticipation, but missed the target. After the goalless first half, Stars resorted to long balls in search for a breakthrough.

Second half substitute Pistone Mutamba, on for Philemon Otieno, beat his marker on the left wing but his thunderbolt went over the bar.

Ovella Ochieng had a chance to give the hosts the lead from a free-kick on 68 minutes, with his shot forcing Mathabela into a fingertip save to avert danger. All this time, the visitors sat back and watched.

Nhleko then punished the Stars’ lethargic backline after he was set through on goal, before beating Oluoch with a low shot. The goal seemed to have roused the hosts, as they began to attack with more purpose afterwards. Mutamba's header with seven minutes to go came crushing off the crossbar, much to the chagrin of the few home fans.

(Additional information sourced from Daily Nation publication)

Hats off for my players - Mdluli

Soccer - Sihlangu coach Anthony Mdluli has praised his charges for a job well done after winning against Kenya yesterday.

Interviewed after the international friendly played at the Kenyatta Stadium, , the coach said both the technical team and players were pleased with the positive result, especially against a tough side like Kenya. “The players really worked hard for the victory. Kenya is a good and very tactical team and they play good football. But hats off for my players as they were tactically disciplined throughout the game and displayed good defensive organisation,” he said. The coach further expressed gratitude to the National Football Association of Swaziland and their Kenyan counterparts for organising the game. “We have been able to spot areas that need improvements and are hopeful that we will correct those in time for COSAFA,” he said.

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