South Africa's Bongokuhle Hlongwane celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying round Group G football match between South Africa and Ghana at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on September 6, 2021. Picture: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
By Mthobisi Nozulela
Barely 24 hours after being excluded from the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad that is set to face Zimbabwe and Nigeria in crucial World Cup qualifiers in June, Minnesota United striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane has reminded coach Hugo Broos what he was capable of.
The Pietermaritzburg-born attacker put in a masterful performance and scored a cracker of a goal outside the box as his club drew 2-2 against LA Galaxy in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
The goal can be replayed in the video below.
After video review, the Bongokuhle Hlongwane goal stands!
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 16, 2024
馃摵 #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/LZXcbKLH9Q pic.twitter.com/kGHWbmBiIk
Hlongwane speaking to the media after his wonder goal, said scoring for the Loons meant a lot to him and revealed that he had been training well during the week.
"It means a lot to me (to score) because, in training, I have been doing well. In my mind, I was like if I can play like I was training everything was possible for me to score and help the team to go forward," said Hlongwane.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane on getting on the score sheet & his missile of a goal tonight vs LA Galaxy #MNUFC #MLS pic.twitter.com/8cwXu87eWn
— Pierre Noujaim (@TheNoujFOX9) May 16, 2024
A lot of eyebrows were raised on Wednesday when Bafana coach Hugo snubbed the 23-year-old striker in his 36 man preliminary squad.
This was partly because the attacker has been in fine form for Minnesota聽scoring three goals in nine appearances this season.
Hlongwane also missed out on the Bafana Bafana squad during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in C么te d'Ivoire earlier this year.
Hlongwane however, would be hoping to continue with his goal-scoring form if he is to force his way back into the national set-up that is currently filled with some of the country's elite players.
IOL Sports