Bafana attacker Bongokuhle Hlongwane opens scoring account in MLS 2024 season
Bafana Bafana attacker Bongokuhle Hlongwane opened his 2024 scoring account in a five-goal thriller in the Major League Soccer [MLS].
In this one, Minnesota United came from behind to beat Orlando City 3-2 in a pulsating match played on Sunday morning.
Duncan McGuire gave Orlando City the lead as early as the 14th second, scoring the fastest goal in Orlando City history. The goal came as a shock to Minnesota who were yet to settle down in the match.
McGuire capitalised on Rafael Santos’s mistake before he slotted the ball past goalie Dayne Clair. However, Minnesota United responded after four minutes when Teemu Pukki scored to restore parity in the game.
Pukki was again on target in the 38th minute to make it 2-1 with a rasping shot from close range. McGuire then equalised in the 83rd minute, rifling a powerful shot past Minnesota’s goalkeeper.
BAFANA WINGER SCORED THE WINNING GOAL FOR MINNESOTA UNITED
To seal the game for Minnesota, Bafana Bafana attacker Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored five minutes into stoppage time. This was his first match of the season, where he played 24 minutes after coming from the bench.
The former Maritzburg attacker capitalised on a counter to get the goal they needed to pick maximum points on the road.
His goal is a perfect build-up for their upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 tie against Tigres UANL.
In addition, Hlongwane is proving that he still has what it takes despite being overlooked by Bafana’s Hugo Broos lately.
He was overlooked in the Bafana AFCON squad along with former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Njabulo Blom. Blom also plays in the Major League Soccer for St Louis City.
Hlongwane was overlooked again when Hugo Broos named a 32-member preliminary squad for upcoming friendlies.
This will be the first time that Bafana reunite since beating DR Congo in the third-place play-off to win bronze at AFCON 2023.
They are set to play their first friendly against Andorra on 21 March in Algeria. Afterwards, they take on Algeria at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on 26 March 2024.
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