One of the two Bafana Bafana stars in the Major League Soccer [MLS] showed a distinct level of finesse as he turned on a masterclass performance in a match on Sunday.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane was the hero as Minnesota United drubbed Portland Timbers 4-1 on Sunday morning.
The former Maritzburg United winger scored a goal and assisted as Minnesota United cruised to an emphatic win.
And as the two Bafana Bafana stars continue to rise, Hlongwane has now managed to score six goals in the current Major League Soccer season.
HOW BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE PERFORMED
Hlongwane engineered Minnesota’s first goal in the 43rd minute, with his low-cross converted into an own goal by Diego Chara.
Emanuel Reynoso closed the first half with a classic strike, bending the ball home from an acute angle.
The team maintained momentum in the second half, with Reynoso and Hlongwane menacing Portland defenders.
They displayed a level of finesse and skill that the Portland Timbers defenders couldn’t handle. The brilliant performance capped an excellent Major League Soccer outing for the Bafana star.
Franck Boli drew one goal back for Portland Timbers on the hour mark, but it was not enough to salvage anything.
In the 74th minute, Hlongwane broke lose, with his trademark solo run on the wing, outpacing the Portland defenders.
He made no mistake with his first touch, coolly pushing the ball into his path. And with acres of space, he unleashed a powerful strike to re-establish the two-goal lead.
Three minutes later, some neat and fantastic passing and movement freed up space in the box. As a result, Hlongwane’s driven cross found Reynoso at the back post, and he calmly converted to ensure a 4-1 win.
The Bafana Bafana star appears to have struck the right chords this season, as he is easily the fan favourite at Minnesota United.
