Siyabonga Ngezana has once again been singled out for praise after helping FCSB progress in UEFA Europa League qualifying on Thursday.
Ngezana’s side have had a mixed start to the 2025/26 season.
While their league form has been underwhelming and they were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League qualifying play-offs, they have enjoyed better fortunes in Europe’s second-tier competition.
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FCSB have managed just one win in five Romanian Superliga matches and currently sit 12th in the standings.
However, their push for European football is now at an advanced stage following a 3-1 victory over Drita on Thursday night, which secured a 6-3 aggregate win over their Kosovan opponents.
This result earned them a final two-legged qualifying tie against Scottish club Aberdeen for a place in this season’s Europa League.
Ngezana, who missed the first leg against Drita due to suspension, was influential in the return match, earning praise from former FCSB player Florin Gardos.
Speaking on the Studio Sport show on VOYO and PRO ARENA, Gardos said of Thursday’s match:
"There were things I liked and things I didn't like. After their goal, it was normal for them to start pressing, to turn the result around.
"There were periods when I would have expected to see more personality, more possession, FCSB continued to play with the long ball, even after the red card. After the 3-1 goal, things seemed to relax a bit.
"Otherwise, there are positive things. I will mention Ngezana, he had a very good match today, and Olaru who came on, even if he didn't have any offensive phases."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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