Eswatini's under-23 football team is on the cusp of a significant achievement, needing only a draw or win against Malawi in the second leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The match, scheduled for today at Somhlolo National Stadium, will determine their progression to the second round. Eswatini carries a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, and coach Friday Myeni is optimistic about his team's chances.
The road to the finals in Egypt consists of three qualifying stages, all played over two legs. Should Eswatini eliminate Malawi, they will face another two-legged tie on November 9 and 17. The third round will be the final hurdle, with its first and second legs scheduled for March 22 and 30, 2027. A successful campaign would not only bring prestige but also a share of the CAF prize money.
The potential financial rewards for Eswatini are substantial, with the minimum listed finals reward being US$100,000 for a team finishing fourth in its group. The champions will receive US$350,000, the runners-up US$250,000, and each semi-finalist US$175,000. Teams finishing third in their groups will receive US$150,000, while fourth-placed teams will get US$100,000.
Coach Friday Myeni expressed confidence in his squad, stating that they are injury-free and prepared for a tactical battle. The team has received a boost with the return of Green Mamba striker Bafana Matse and Red Rhinos' Sukulwenkhosi Sifundza, who missed the first leg due to examinations. Myeni emphasized the importance of mental preparation, given the pressure surrounding national-team football.
Captain Luyanda 'Lux' Nhlengetfwa believes that their 1-0 away win in Malawi has given them valuable insights into their opponents' playing style. The team has prepared well and is ready to secure another positive result. Conversely, Malawi head coach Bob Mpinganjira says his team is well-prepared and acknowledges that they will need to work hard to secure a positive result.
The availability of Blue Eagles goalkeeper Precious Masamba and Ekhaya Football Club striker John Mchema has boosted Malawi's chances. Myeni is optimistic about his team's potential to contribute to the senior Sihlangu team, stating that two-thirds of this group would easily make the greats of their senior team with an infusion of some Sihlangu players.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 pm, and Eswatini will look to protect their 1-0 lead to progress to the second round. A win or draw would see them move closer to the lucrative continental payday and a chance to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Key points
- Eswatini U-23s need a draw or win against Malawi to qualify for the next round of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
- A successful campaign would bring Eswatini a share of the CAF prize money, with the minimum listed finals reward being US$100,000.
- The match against Malawi is scheduled to kick off at 3 pm at Somhlolo National Stadium.
