Wanderers’ well-rehearsed plan to strike early collapsed spectacularly as they suffered yet another heavy defeat, going down 1–4 to giant slayers Tabankulu Celtics in a one-sided MTN Premier League clash played at Mavuso Trade Centre yesterday.
Wanderers head coach Gcina Dlamini revealed after the match that the team had gone into the fixture with a clear intention of scoring an early goal to unsettle the visitors. Instead, the opposite happened.
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Celtics winger Zweli Sihlongonyane struck within the opening minutes after a slick attacking move down the right flank, punishing Wanderers before they even found their rhythm.
From that moment, the maroon-and-white side looked shaken, struggling to recover from the early setback as Celtics grew in confidence, dominating the match through quick combinations and relentless pressing.
The Lubombo-based outfit was ruthless in front of goal, converting the few chances that came their way while Wanderers toiled without reward.
Coach Dlamini admitted that despite the tactical preparation, the execution fell short. He stressed that the team’s style of play was not the issue, but rather the urgency and sharpness needed to carry out the game plan.
“Our plan was to get an early goal, but they caught us first. The score is not a true reflection of the match. We played well in patches, but the visitors buried their chances and we did not. That was the difference,” he said.
Wanderers, who scored a consolation goal later in the match, were left frustrated by missed opportunities and a defence that could not cope with Celtics’ pace.
Dlamini, however, remained optimistic, promising that the side would respond positively.
“We will come back stronger. The commitment is there, but we need to be more clinical,” he said.
Yesterday’s defeat marks the second time this season that Wanderers have conceded four goals in a single match, having previously suffered a 4–0 demolition at the hands of Manzini Sea Birds two weeks ago.
The recurring defensive lapses will undoubtedly be a concern for the technical team as pressure continues to mount on the once-feared hub giants.
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