By Zim Sport Live Writer
Rising star El Shaddai Sadomba netted a memorable hat-trick as the Zimbabwe U-17 national team thrashed Eswatini 5-1 in a TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifier Group B game at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus Stadium on Thursday.
Zimbabwe started on the front foot giving Eswatini all sorts of problems.
With his trickery, Tadiwa Chakuchichi cut inside from the right, took on a few defenders before beating the Eswatini goalkeeper, Luyanda Ndlovu, at the near post to give Zimbabwe a well-deserved lead in the 21st minute.
Four minutes later, striker Sadomba doubled Zimbabwe’s lead after playing the ball over onrushing Eswatini goalkeeper.
Chakuchichi was at it again when he cut inside before playing a pass to Sadomba who did not disappoint and tapped the ball into the net in the 34th minute to score his second of the day.
In the 41st minute, Sadomba completed his hat-trick after taking advantage of a poor clearance by Eswatini.
In response to Zimbabwe’s dominance in the first half, Eswatini defenders launched quick counter-attacks by playing long passes into the final third in those rare moments they managed to regain possession. However, all their efforts in counter-attacking were in vain as Zimbabwe defenders reacted speedily to intercept those passes.
Zimbabwe were still the better team in the second half although Eswatini were energetic and eager to score despite conceding four goals in the first half.
In the 86th minute, attacking midfielder Valentine Macheka netted the last goal for Zimbabwe after placing a beautiful shot at the far corner.
Substitute Menzi Dlamini scored a consolation goal for Eswatini in the 90th minute.
The Young Warriors are scheduled to play Zambia next on Saturday before they face off Namibia in their final group stage match two days later.
The two teams that will reach the final of this tournament will automatically qualify for the next edition of the U-17s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).