Mhlaba FC’s hopes of climbing the ANLFA Promotional League table were dented on January 25, as they fell 1-2 to log leaders Alex Royal Tigers FC at Alex Safe Hub.

Mhlaba’s defensive lapses gifted the Royal Tigers crucial goals, and coach Ndabezinhle Mhlaba admitted his side had gone into the clash expecting maximum points, but the early concessions set them back.
Mhlaba believed that the second half of the game was theirs, but the players struggled to convert chances. He stressed that defensive discipline, conceding too soon and failing to convert chances would be the team’s main focus going forward.

Read more: Mhlaba FC eyes top spot after fierce start to league season

Despite the setback, Mhlaba remains optimistic about his side’s campaign.
The Royal Tigers, meanwhile, were not entirely satisfied with their narrow victory. Coach Banele Sangcozi lamented his side’s wastefulness in front of goal. “In the first half, we missed, I don’t know how many goals. We were hoping to win this game with a minimum of five goals,” Sangcozi said.

The contest lived up to its billing as a tough encounter. Royal Tigers struck first, only for Mhlaba FC to equalise shortly after. But within 10 minutes, the log leaders regained their advantage through Ndamlelo Sikhwari, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to beat the keeper one-on-one.

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Mhlaba’s defence looked vulnerable throughout, with several narrow escapes. Goalkeeper Nqaba Mgaga was forced into crucial saves, including a standout moment in the second half when he denied Smangaliso Nkosi in a one-on-one situation that could have sealed the game for Royal Tigers.

While the Royal Tigers took their opportunity to earn three more points, Mhlaba FC left the pitch determined to regroup.

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