Bafana Bafana striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane has scored his seventh goal for Minnesota United in the Leagues Cup, equalling the tally of none other than Lionel Messi.
Hlongwane, 23, was once again on the scoresheet as Minnesota United booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup.
‘Bongi’, as his fans in the States call him, netted his side’s 2-0 after 32 minutes against Club Deportivo Toluca, but the Mexican side managed to pull two goals back in the second half.
After full 90 minutes, the last 16 clash ended with a 2-2 draw and it was decided on penalty-shootout.
After missing one in the previous round, Hlongwane didn’t take a spot-kick but former SuperSport United centre-back Michael Boxall was among the Minnesota players who converted their spot-kicks to send Toluca packing.
Hlongwane, meanwhile, took his tally to seven goals in the tournament, going level with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.
The former Maritzburg United forward has been on fire since the season started. He scored 15 goals in all competitions and he is by far the club’s top goal-scorers, as seems to have hit the right form at the right time with AFCON four months away.