It was a heart-breaking loss for Eswatini as Sihlangu lost the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup 2022 quarter final match against Senegal at the King Zwelithini Stadium at Umlazi in Durban. Eswatini created a lot of scoring chances for the entire 90 minutes of the game and only converted one after Senegal had taken the lead from a cross-cum-shot in the 8^th minute that was tricky for Sandanezwe Mathabela in Eswatini goal. The half time score was 1-0.

In the 2^nd half, Eswatini continued to create more chances in search of an equalizer but it seems Eswatini players forgot their scoring boots. It only took Eswatini 60 minutes to find the back of the net after Sandile Gamedze’s pass found the mobile Philani Mkhontfo who placed a low shot pass the advancing Aliou Faty in Senegal’s goal much to the relieve of the Eswatini camp. This goal was also followed by other goal scoring opportunities for Eswatini with man of the match Sandile Gamedze and Sabelo Ndzinisa being among the culprits. Sandanezwe Mathabela made up for his earlier that resulted in Senegal taking the lead by making a heroic save which was a one-on-one situation that forced the encounter to dramatic penalty shoot-outs.

All the Senegalese penalty takers converted them with Eswatini missing one sudden death penalty that guaranteed Senegal a place in the semi-finals against Zambia. Eswatini’s Mzwandile Mabelesa was the only player that missed a penalty as he ballooned his shot over the cross bar. The scorers of the Eswatini penalties were; Lindo Mkhonta, Leon Manyisa, Sabelo Ndzinisa, Junior Magagula, Peter Dlamini, Sihlangu Mkhwanazi, Philani Mkhontfo, Sandanezwe Mathabela and Sikhumbuzo Magagula. Eswatini will now play against Botswana on Friday in the plate competition of the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup 2022 at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium at 1500hrs.