Jerry Zingwevu Monday 19 October 2009

Swaziland snatched a well deserved victory from the jaws of defeat, beating an impressive Seychelles 2-1 in a pulsating COSAFA senior challenge match

played at Barbourfields stadium yesterday. It was the second match of the day at the same venue after Botswana and The Comoros Islands played out a goalless draw in the first match.

Coached by charismatic and the temperemental Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, one of South Africa's best mentors, Swaziland turned on the heat in the last 20 minuts of the game, scoring two goals inside two minutes  to knock out the stuffing from Seychelles. Seychelles had done well to thwart Swaziland's relentless attacks in the opening minutes. With their defence standing resolutely at their fortress, the attack was even more tenacious with Philip Zialor and the nimble footed Alex Nibourette showing off the silky touches and crispy footwork. The Seychelles were duly rewarded for their industry when the notched the first goal of the day through striker, Nelson Laurence. A rare mistake by the usually dependable Swazi captain, Mxolisi Mtsefwa was all Seychelles needed to go one up. A miscued backpass by the skipper was intercepted by Laurence who made a run into the box, shrugging off a number of challenges from the Swazi defence until he slotted the ball into the net.

After the goal, Seychelles went to sleep and adopted a defensive approach while Swaziland stepped on the pedal but the equaliser became elusive with each pasing moment. Sensing the need for more attacking options, coach Mashaba introduced the hard running Mziwandile Ndzimadze for his brother, Mfantikile Ndzimadze. With just eight minutes on the pitch, Mziwandile was already making an impact, dribbling past Seychelles' Ronny Marengo on the right and sending in an inch perfect cross which big striker Mfazile Dhlamini connected first time but found the experienced Seychelles keeper Colin Esther on guard who did well by punching the ball away for a corner.

The second half was characterised by a tale of missed opportunities by the Swaziland team. Dhlamini and Ndzimadze took turns to miss on diffrent occassions while Seychelles keeper, Esther was also equal to the task on some of the instances. Then came the much awaited equaliser in the 71^st minute when the impressive young right back, Mathokoza Twala got to the end of a corner by Sihawu Dhlamini with a header which beat Esther all systems out. The ball slightly scratched against the right upright post before sailing into an empty net. Before the Swazi fans could warm their seats again after celebrating the equaliser, Swazi were back in the driving seat again, netting another one in the 73^rd minute through man-of-the-match, Dhlamini who scrapped in a lose ball after the Seychelles defence had failed to clear. Sihlangu could have made it three in the 75^th minute but substitute, Tisuka Mtsedwa failed to capitalise on a clever pass from Dhlamini.

After the game, Seychelles coach, Richard Holmud blamed his team for laxity after scoring their goal. “ My main option was too defend very well. We created chances but we dropped too far. We slackened a bit after our goal and we conceded too many freekicks”, said Holmud. The Swazi coach, Mashaba was a relieved man and heaped praises on the industry of Dhlamini whom he said is a valuable asset in the team and they benefited a lot from him in the game. “COSAFA is about surprises. They had a game plan but we also had one. Our strategy was to use him (Dhlamini) because he is strong, can hold on to the ball and create chances for others and it worked for us because he even scored”, he said.

Swaziland now clash with Botswana tomorrow in a game that could go either way while Seychelles take on Comoros Islands in what could be a victory for them. Despite snatching a draw from Botswana, their first point in the three year flirtation with the COSAFA cup, Comoros never came to the party against the Zebras. They simply benefited from Botswana's lack of precision in front of goal. Barbourfields stadium will again host both matches.