It was the game-changer that Switzerland so desperately needed – a whirlwind performance from substitute Johan Manzambi that sparked a thrilling comeback and powered them past Bosnia and Herzegovina in a pulsating thriller. The 20-year-old's electrifying display off the bench lit up the stadium, as he conjured two goals and turned the match on its head with his incisive playmaking.
Manzambi burst onto the scene in the 73rd minute, and it didn't take him long to leave his mark. Just 166 seconds later, he unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot – a rasping right-footed volley that arrowed into the top corner, ending Bosnia's grip on the game and sending the Swiss fans into raptures.
The young sensation continued to pull the strings, his pinpoint pass releasing Breel Embolo for a chance, which was inevitably blocked by Bosnia's desperation. However, it was a moment too many, as Tarik Muharemovic lunged in recklessly and earned himself a red card – handing Switzerland a priceless numerical advantage.
Manzambi seized the initiative, conjuring up his second goal with a sumptuous effort that left Bosnia's defence grasping at thin air. Rubén Vargas and Granit Xhaka rounded off the scoring for the Swiss in the dying embers of the game – their spot-kick, taken by Xhaka, proving the icing on the cake.
Despite Switzerland's dominance, Bosnia managed a consolation goal in stoppage time when Ermin Mahmic unleashed an unstoppable 71mph thunderbolt from a half-cleared corner. But it was too little, too late – and leaves their World Cup hopes precariously perched on a thread of uncertainty ahead of their final Group B showdown against Qatar.
Manzambi's incredible display earned him the match-day accolade, with a beaming smile on his face as he reflected on an unforgettable night: "It's probably the best moment of my career so far. We had to be patient but we're a good team and I think we showed that." The result sets Switzerland up nicely for their next challenge against co-hosts Canada, while Bosnia face an uphill battle to revive their fading World Cup ambitions.
Source: The Guardian