SA stars shine: Mayambela scores, Foster assists in resounding wins
Bafana Bafana players abroad delivered strong performances with Mihlali Mayambela scoring a goal in Aris Limassol’s victory, and Lyle Foster providing an assist to help Burnley FC secure a win this past weekend.
Mayambela is enjoying a good run of form as he was on target for Aris Limassol in the Cypriot First Division on Sunday as they defeated AEL Limassol 4-0 at Alphamega Stadium. He has now scored in two straight matches, adding to his goal from last Saturday February 15th in the 3-0 away win against Anorthosis.
Mayambela has now scored four goals and provided five assists in 21 matches for Aris Limassol.
Meanwhile in Burnley’s EFL Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday at Turf Moor Stadium on Friday, Foster, playing out of his usual striker position as a winger, came on as a second-half substitute and provided an assist in their 4-0 victory.
This contribution marks his second assist in three games, indicating a positive shift in his form following a period where he struggled to score.
SA COACH CARNELL SECURES WIN, MAKHAYA EARNS MLS DEBUT
SA-born coach Bradley Carnell started his Philadelphia Union era with a victory, whilst defender Olwethu Makhaya made his MLS debut.
Philadelphia defeated Orlando City in a six-goal thriller, winning 4-2 in the early hours of Sunday morning in their league opener at Inter & Co Stadium. This was Carnell’s first match after he was appointed head coach in January 2025.
As for Makhanya, he played his first MLS match for Philadelphia Union. He made a switch to America from Betway Premiership side Stellenbosch FC after the completion of 2022/23 PSL season. In the past seasons, centre-back was playing for the reserve side of Philadelphia in the MLS Next Pro.
In Romania, former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana played 45 minutes as FCSB defeated Dinamo București 2-1 on Sunday in the Romanian Superliga at National Arena. The centre-back was subbed off at the beginning of the second half.
It was not a good weekend for Rulani Mokwena as his Wydad Casablanca troops dropped points at home against COD Meknès in the Botola Pro 1 at Stade Larbi Zaouli on Saturday.
But the draw also saw Mokwena’s Wydad AC stretch their unbeaten run in the league to six matches. In the other five matches, Wydad registered victories.
Cassius Mailula and Thembinkosi Lorch were in action for Rulani’s team. Both players started the match which was Lorch’s first start after joining Wydad on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.
HLONGWANE, MAYO, MOKWANA, TAU, CAMPBELL AND LINKS IN ACTION
Bongokuhle Hlongwane played the entire match for Minnesota United in their league opener. They lost 1-0 against LA Galaxy in the early hours of Saturday morning at BMO Stadium.
On the other hand, Khanyisa Mayo featured for CR Belouizdad as they lost 1-0 against ES Setif in the league away from home on Thursday.
Elias Mokwana played 90 minutes for Esperance in their 2-1 defeat against CA Bizertin at the 15 October Stadium on Saturday. This was Esperance’s first defeat in 16 league matches following 11 victories and five draws.
In the Gulf region, the highly-rated Percy Tau featured for Qatar SC on Saturday in the Qatar Stars League as they suffered a 4-2 defeat at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.
In addition, Shandre Campbell started for Club NXT in the 2-1 defeat against Lokeren-Temse on Saturday in the Challenger Pro League away from home. Campbell was subbed off in the 74th minute.
Gift Links played 82 minutes as Aarhus GF hammered AaB Fodbold 4-0 on Sunday in the Danish Superliga at Vejlby Stadium.
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