The Eswatini national Under-23 squad secured a spot in the second round of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after playing to a 1-1 draw against Malawi at the Somhlolo National Stadium. The result ensured a 2-1 aggregate victory, with Eswatini advancing courtesy of their 1-0 away win in Lilongwe last week. This victory sets up a match against Algeria in the second round.
The first leg against Algeria is scheduled for November 9 in Algeria, with the return leg in Eswatini on November 17. Eswatini's coach, Myeni, will have to prepare his team for another challenging match. The road to Egypt involves three qualifying rounds, all played over two legs. Eswatini has made it past the first round and must now overcome Algeria before facing a final two-legged tie in the third round.
The third round is set to take place on March 22 and 30, 2027. If Eswatini succeeds in qualifying for the finals in Egypt, they will be rewarded with a significant financial prize. According to CAF's published prize-money structure, a team finishing fourth in its group at the finals will receive $100,000, approximately E1.67 million. The champions will receive $350,000, about E5.83 million.
The match against Malawi was played in challenging conditions, with heavy rain turning the Somhlolo National Stadium into a slippery and waterlogged surface. This made fluent football difficult, but Eswatini's goalkeeper, Xolani Sithole, produced crucial interventions to keep his team alive. Malawi began the match aggressively, repeatedly testing Eswatini's defense.
Eswatini's Njongo Mazibuko nearly scored just before half-time after Malawi's goalkeeper Masamba strayed from his area, but the effort was cleared. The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when Sibonelo 'Mzala' Vilakati sparked the attack, and Malwande Gwebu delivered the telling pass to Mazibuko, who scored into the top corner.
However, Malawi refused to give up and John Mchema struck in the first minute of stoppage time. For a few nervous moments, Eswatini were in danger of being eliminated, but they managed to hold on for the draw. The final whistle confirmed Eswatini's progression to the second round.
Eswatini's Under-23 team has achieved a significant milestone, but they must now focus on the upcoming match against Algeria. The team will need to be at their best to overcome the challenges ahead and potentially qualify for the finals in Egypt.
Key points
- Eswatini's national Under-23 squad has progressed to the second round of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- The team will face Algeria in the second round, with the first leg scheduled for November 9 in Algeria.
- Eswatini can earn a significant financial prize if they qualify for the finals in Egypt.
