Bongokuhle Hlongwane turns on five-star performance in US Open Cup
Minnesota United winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane turned on a five-star performance in the US Open Cup as his club progressed to the next round.
It was contrasting fortunes for Bafana Bafana players in the US Open Cup in the United States of America [USA] on Tuesday morning.
Hlongwane starred for Minnesota as they progressed to the next stage of the competition after beating Philadelphia Union.
Hlongwane was on fire, coming from the bench to score a brace and bagging an assist. The match ended in a 3-3 draw after extra time.
BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE SHINES FOR MINNESOTA
Minnesota walked away 7-6 victors on penalties to seal passage to the next round of the competition. It was all thanks to Hlongwane’s heroics.
The former Maritzburg United star has now scored four goals in 11 appearances in all competitions this season.
He opened the scoring in the second half before adding the second in extra time. He then set up teammate Joseph Rosales for his side’s third goal.
While it was a good day at the office for Hlongwane, the same can’t be said for Njabulo Blom.
It was an unhappy return from injury for City midfielder Blom as his side was dumped out of the same competition in another match.
City suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Chicago Fire and are out of the competition in the round of 32.
It was the South African midfielder’s first appearance since returning from a groin injury that kept him out of action for a month.
UNHAPPY RETURN FROM INJURY FOR NJABULO BLOM
The former Kaizer Chiefs star recovered early from injury and came from the bench for Bradley Carnell’s side in a losing effort.
Blom’s City will have an opportunity to avenge their loss when they face the same opponents in an MLS match on Saturday.
Hlongwane’s Minnesota, on the other hand, will travel to Kansas for a clash with Sporting Kansas City in their next match on the same day.
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