Inconsistent Sihlangu scrapes through to AFCON group-stage qualifiers
AFTER a gallant first-leg display, Sihlangu Semnikati gave a lacklustre performance against Somalia, who came as underdogs in Tuesday’s second-leg game.
The local envoys eventually scraped through to the group stages of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers with a 5-2 aggregate scoreline after a 2all draw.
This is how the nation’s pride faired against the East Africans in the preliminary round return leg played at Mbombela Stadium to advance to the next hurdle of the continent’s showpiece qualifiers.
1. Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini
The Royal Leopard player had a good first half, where he made some daring saves. He was not protected by his defence in the second half, where Somalia scored two quick goals, 5/10.
2. Sibonelo Sibandze
The Young Buffaloes right back fought like a true soldier throughout the match until he was rested in the second by Mthunzi Mkhontfo. He covered his ground well, and made some timely attacking moves, especially in the first half.
He needs to work on his endurance as he lost steam during the second half, where he was eventually rested, 5/10.
3. Mxolisi Manana
The Green Mamba left-back struggled on the day, as he could not make his trademark attacking moves. He couldn’t handle the pressure poised by the marauding Somalian winger Yusuf Ahmed in the second half, 3/10.
4. Sibongakonkhe Silenge
The towering centre-back was suffocated by the opposition’s attack and he lost steam during the second half. He needs to improve his ability to read the game. 4/10.
5. Simanga Masangane
The Royal Leopard defender is gradually maturing on the international stage like good wine. He made desperate clearances in the first half and needs to improve his reading of the game after losing shape during the second half, 5/10.
6. Sifiso Matse
The captain is marvelous had a good first half, where he dictated the tempo of the game. He was lost in the last stanza, where he eventually lost his steam. 4/10.
7. Justice Figareido
The Richards Bay FC player had a better first half, as he piled more pressure on the opposition’s defenders.
He needs to improve his scoring technique, as he squandered some chances and displayed a high work rate, 5/10.
8. Kwakhe Tfwala
The Mbabane Swallows utility player had a quiet day in the office in the midfield position. He was unable to stamp his authority in the belly of the park, as he did during the first leg encounter, 3/10.
9. Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa
The seasoned marksman didn’t get enough supply in his area but positioned himself throughout the match. This resulted in Sihlangu’s opening goal, which was a gift from Somali goalkeeper Mustaf Yusuf, 4/10.
10. Mxolisi Mkhonto
The Jwaneng Galaxy playmaker did not have the best outing compared to the first leg, where he dictated the tempo of the match. He was bottled up by the Somalia midfield until he was rested by Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, 4/10.
11. Bongwa Matsebula
The Young Buffaloes youngster had a good day in the office, as he was able to take on the opposition’s defenders. He also scored a beautiful second-half goal and still needs to improve on his endurance, 5/10.