Eswatini's national Under-23 men's squad achieved a significant milestone in their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Malawi. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Sibonelo Vilakati scored, giving Eswatini a crucial 1-0 lead heading into the second leg at Somhlolo National Stadium on Tuesday. This victory puts Eswatini in a strong position to advance to the second round of the preliminary matches.
The match started with both teams creating scoring opportunities, but neither could find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes. Malawi's Mwisho Mhango came close to scoring two minutes before the half-hour mark, but his powerful shot narrowly missed the target with goalkeeper Xolani Sithole beaten. The Young Flames, Malawi's U-23 team, continued to press but were unable to capitalize on their chances.
The second half mirrored the first, with Malawi piling on the pressure in search of the opening goal. However, it was Eswatini who created the first notable chance in the second half when Njongo 'Jakalazi' Mazibuko let fly a scorcher that narrowly went wide. The visitors' persistence paid off when Vilakati scored in the 73rd minute, assisted by a clever pass from Njabulo Gama.
The build-up to Vilakati's goal saw Gama dance his way into the danger area, eliminating defenders before picking out Vilakati with a precise pass. Vilakati then unleashed an unstoppable shot past the Malawian goalkeeper Julius Banda, securing the win for Eswatini. This result gives Eswatini a valuable advantage heading into the second leg.
The aggregate winner of this tie will advance to face Algeria in the second round of the preliminary matches. Additionally, the qualifiers serve as a pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28), scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 30, 2028. The tournament's decisive final stages will culminate when Egypt hosts the 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations in November 2027.
Eswatini's U-23 team has received widespread support for their historic achievement. The team's success has generated excitement among fans and pundits alike, with many believing that this could be a turning point for Eswatini's football. The second leg of the qualifier will take place on Tuesday at Somhlolo National Stadium.
The win against Malawi has boosted Eswatini's hopes of qualifying for the AFCON and the Olympic Games. The team's coach and players will look to build on this momentum in the second leg, aiming to secure a spot in the next round of the qualifiers. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams vying for a spot in the second round.
Key points
- Eswatini's U-23 team secured a 1-0 away victory against Malawi in their AFCON qualifier.
