ESWATINI GO DOWN TO LESOTHO IN AN U20 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH

Lesotho was too strong for Eswatini in an U20 international match that was played on Saturday afternoon at the Somhlolo National Stadium. In the early minutes of the match the game was more tactical as both teams searched for an early goal. Eswatini got an early chance in the 10^th minute when Simphiwe Dlamini’s shot was saved by Loboke Nyefolo on a one-on-one situation. The Eswatini workaholic midfielder, Junior Mtsetfwa’s shot from outside the box after receiving a pass from Phiwayinkhosi Ntjalintjali was saved by Liboke Nyefolo in the 19^th minute. Phiwayinkhosi Ntjalintjali’s shot in the 25^th minute was blocked for a fruitless corner.

Lesotho played worderful passes that penetrated Eswatini in the midfield only to be marked by the Eswatini defenceb in the 37^th minute for a corner kick which they failed to convert into goal. Lunga Ndlovu made a mavelous pass to Sisekelo Fakudze in the 43^rd minute and his shot was saved by Loboke Nyefolo. The referee blew for half time break with the score at 0-0.

In the 2^nd half Lesotho came stronger as they searched for the first goal of the match. The tricky Maile Paseko was fouled outside the Eswatini box in the 51^st minute and his free kick was perfectly blocked by the Eswatini wall for a corner kick which was well defended by Eswatini defence. Lesotho made a double substitution in the 56^th minute when Komo Tsepo and Mokena Tumelo came in for Mahlomola Mafeto and Malefane Rorisang. Three minutes later Lesotho took the lead through Makuru Tholang afterv an excellent play by Ralesupi Limho who took Eswatini defence on before laying an excellent pass for Tholeng to finish.

Junior Mtsetfwa’s shot from the right flank hit the cross bar in the 64^th minite with Liboke Nyefolo well beaten. Lesotho continued to dominate possession as they interchanged passes much to the frustration of Eswatini. In the 72^nd minute, Maile Paseka’s shot from outside the box went over the cross bar. Eswatini played good passes in the 74^th minute on the right flank and Colani Mavuso’s cross was met by Lunga Ndlovu who shot wide. In the 81^st minute, Eswatini’s Colani Mavuso’s shot was saved by an on form Liboke Nyefolo. Maile Paseka’s free kick in the 82^nd minute hit the cross bar and the rebound found Eswatini defence flat footed which gave Tamako Molefane an opportunity to smash a powerful shot that made Lesotho to lead by 2-0. The referee ended the match which guaranteed Lesotho a win.