Goals dry up for SA stars abroad, as pressure mounts on Rulani Mokwena
It was a goal-dry weekend for South African stars plying their trade outside the country, as pressure mounts on Rulani Mokwena at Wydad Casablanca.
In North Africa, it was a low-key weekend for SA stars and coach Mokwena. First, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach was left livid after crashing out of the Moroccan Throne Cup following a 1-0 loss to Moghreb Atlético Tetuán on Saturday night.
The match was played at the Saniat Rmel stadium. Moreover, losing was a big blow to Mokwena, who had his sights set on winning his first title in Morocco as the team had already missed out on the league title.
In truth, he finds himself under pressure and facing the chop at Wydad AC, considering their insatiable expectations. Thembonkosi Lorch was in the starting line-up while Cassius Mailula was on the bench.
ELIAS MOKWANA BRACING FOR REVENGE MISSION AGAINST SUNDOWNS
Furthermore, Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana and his Esperance Tunis were not in action over the weekend. However, Mokwana is in fine fettle as the Tunisian giants prepare for the CAF Champions League.
Esperance are set for the return leg of the quarterfinal against Sundowns. They lost 1-0 in the first leg, thanks to a Peter Shalulile goal.
They will aim to use home advantage in this crunch tie, which will be played at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi on Tuesday at 21h00.
In Algeria, ex-Cape Town City FC marksman Khanyisa Mayo played 85 minutes when CR Belouizdad demolished NC Magra 4-0 on Saturday. The match was played at the Stade Nelson Mandela, as CR Belouizdad kept pressure on log leader MC Alger. CR Belouizdad sit in second position with 37 points after 21 matches.
JUST LIKE RULANI MOKWENA AT WYDAD AC, FADLU DAVIDS IS DESPERATE FOR SILVERWARE AT SIMBA SC
Meanwhile, in Tanzania, Fadlu Davids and his Simba SC were not in action over the weekend. The Dar es Salaam giants are preparing for an important game against Al Masry as they aim for the continental title. Simba SC are four points behind Young Africans in the Tanzania Premier League.
They are scheduled to host Al Masry at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. Davids’ troops lost 2-0 in the first leg played at the New Suez Stadium in Egypt on Wednesday.
In the Championship, Bafana Bafana forward Lyle Foster played 88 minutes as Burnley FC beat Coventry City 2-1. The match was played at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Jaidon Anthony’s brace was enough to help Burnley win away from home. Haji Wright’s controversial fifth-minute goal was all Coventry City managed in what turned out to be a thrilling clash.
In Qatar, Bafana Bafana talisman Percy Tau played 68 minutes for Qatar SC before being withdrawn in a match they lost 1-0 to Al Khor. Ricardo Gomes was the goalscorer at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday.
Tau and his team have been below par after managing 22 points in 20 matches. In addition, they are 10th on the log standings in the 12-team league. In fact, they are seven points ahead of Umm Salal who occupy the relegation play-off slot.
Furthermore, defender Olwethu Makhanya was on the bench as Bradley Carnell’s Philadelphia Union drew 0-0 with Orlando City. The Major League Soccer [MLS] match was played at the Subaru Park on Sunday.
GOALS REMAIN ELUSIVE FOR BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE AFTER SEVEN MATCHES
On the other hand, Bongokuhle Hlongwane was on parade for 90 minutes as Minnesota United beat New York City 2-0 on Sunday night. This one was an MLS Western Conference match played at the Yankee Stadium.
Tani Oluwaseyi and Wil Trapp scored for Hlongwane’s team, while Keaton Parks scored for New York City. As a result, Minnesota United rose to third position on the log table with 14 points from seven matches.
However, goals have been elusive for Hlongwane, who has featured in all of Minnesota United’s matches. Without a doubt, there is need to improve for the former Maritzburg United star.
In Romania, Siyabonga Ngezana played the whole match as FCSB beat U Cluj 1-0 on Saturday at the National Arena. FCSB are currently in pole position in the SuperLiga.
Furthermore, Gift Links will be in action on Monday evening as his AGF face Brøndby in the Danish Superliga. The match will be played at the Brondby Stadion. In Cyprus, Luther Singh was in action as AEL Limassol beat EN Paralimni FC 2-0 on Saturday. The match was played at the Alphamega Stadium.
Singh provided an assist for their second goal, which was his 11th assist of the season. Meanwhile, ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshall Munetsi put in a good shift as Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Ipswich 2-1 on Saturday evening in the Premier League.
In addition, Wolves remain 17th in the Premier League standings with 32 points, 12 ahead of Ipswich, who are in the relegation zone, with seven matches left.
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