The Eswatini national Under-23 men's team is gearing up to face Malawi in the first preliminary round of the qualifiers for the TotalEnergies Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Friday Myeni expressed confidence in the team's preparation, emphasizing their serious approach to the assignment. The team has been training at the Lobamba Technical Centre, and Myeni thanked the EFA for allowing early preparations in July.
The Eswatini junior national outfit will travel to Malawi for the first leg before hosting the Flames on October 6, 2026, at Somhlolo National Stadium. The aggregate winner will advance to face Algeria in the next round. Myeni highlighted the importance of the team's preparation, especially given the senior national team's recent struggles. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by age restrictions, which forced them to drop key players like Quality Dlamini and Joseph Kibonge.
Despite the setbacks, Captain Luyanda Nhlengetfwa remained optimistic about the team's chances. He emphasized the team's shared ambition to make history by qualifying for the Africa Cup. The team's motivation is high, with players eager to break the country's football curse. Myeni's squad has a large player pool to choose from, which has been beneficial for their preparation.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has been supportive of the team's preparation, allowing them to start training early in July. This has enabled the team to assess a large pool of players and make informed decisions about the squad. However, the age restrictions have posed significant challenges, with some key players being dropped due to their age.
The team's first leg against Malawi will be a crucial test of their skills and determination. Myeni's squad will need to be at their best to overcome the Flames and advance to the next round. The team's preparation has been focused on building a strong team dynamic and developing their skills.
The match against Malawi is also an opportunity for the team to make a statement and demonstrate their capabilities. Eswatini's football team has faced challenges in recent years, and a successful campaign in the Africa Cup qualifiers could be a turning point. The team's fans are eagerly anticipating the match and are hopeful of a positive outcome.
The Eswatini U-23 team's preparation and determination will be put to the test as they face Malawi in the Africa Cup qualifiers. With a strong team dynamic and a focused approach, Myeni's squad is confident of making a positive impact. The team's success will depend on their ability to work together and execute their game plan effectively.
Key points
- Eswatini's U-23 team faces Malawi in Africa Cup qualifiers
- Coach Friday Myeni confident in team's preparation
- Team motivated to make history and qualify for Africa Cup
