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Bongi Hlongwane shining in MLS: 11-goal contributions in 23 games

Bongokuhle Hlongwane continues to shine in the MLS as the SA attacker scored his seventh goal of the season in Minnesota United‘s 2-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday.

Hlongwane, proving a force to be reckoned with in the USA elite league, has now racked up 11 goal contributions in 23 games.

His latest goal, a game-changer against San Jose, not only secured the win for Minnesota United but also broke a frustrating nine-match winless streak, underlining the impact of his performance.

In addition, the strike also saw Hlongwane silence any recent doubts by returning to the scoresheet, ending a three-match drought. He had last scored at the beginning of July.

All-in-all, the former Maritzburg United attacker has now scored seven goals and grabbed four assists. The 24-year-old is now a goal away from equalling his last season’s tally [eight goals].

BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE SCORES MINNESOTA UNITED’S WINNING GOAL

Bongokuhle Hlongwane in action for Minnesota United in MLS
Bongokuhle Hlongwane in action for Minnesota United in MLS

Hlongwane put his name on the scoresheet in the 75th minute with a header when his side was already on the front foot. Immediately after the goal, he was taken off and replaced by Teemu Pukki.

San Jose centre-back Tanner Beason had a match to forget. He netted an own goal to hand the hosts a lead just before half-time in the 38th minute.

The result saw the Minnesota-based outfit climb to ninth on the MLS Western Conference log standings, which puts them in the Championship playoffs spot.

BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE PUTTING HIS HAND UP FOR BAFANA CALL-UP

Hlongwane is putting his hand up for a Bafana Bafana call-up ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in September. Bafana will play two matches against Uganda and South Sudan.

The last time Hlongwane was called up to represent the national team by coach Hugo Broos was back in October 2023. This was in a 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast in a friendly match.

RELATED STORY: Bongokuhle Hlongwane ‘very happy’ with recent form in MLS 

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