Eswatini's historic European tour ended on a disappointing note with a 4-0 defeat to Suriname in an international friendly played at Stadion De Vliert in the Netherlands. The match was a significant test for Eswatini, ranked 164th in the world, against Suriname, ranked 128th. Eswatini's head coach, Dominic Kunene, chose to retain the same starting XI that secured a historic 1-1 draw against Malta three days prior.
The starting lineup for Eswatini included captain Philani 'Mkasabuli' Mkhonto, Sibusiso 'Baraba' Dlamini in goal, and defenders Newman 'Strong' Philiso, Neliswa 'Tiger' Dlamini, Thubelihle Mavuso, Justice 'Figa' Figareido, Yekisizwe 'Madumane' Khumalo, Gift 'Jobe' Gamedze, Kwakhe 'Stopper' Thwala, Simanga 'Stina' Masangane, and Nkosingiphile 'Skomota' Shongwe. Suriname took the lead in the sixth minute through Erzurumspor forward Gyrano Kerk.
Despite the early setback, Eswatini's players showed resilience and gradually grew into the match, creating a promising opportunity to equalize. However, Justice 'Figa' Figareido failed to convert a golden chance to restore parity. Suriname went into the half-time break holding a narrow 1-0 advantage. The missed opportunity proved costly as Suriname doubled their lead in the 60th minute through Go Ahead Eagles attacker Richonell Margaret.
The goal followed a defensive error by Philiso, who slipped while attempting to clear the ball, leaving goalkeeper Dlamini exposed. West Ham United's Joël Piroe, valued at approximately E186.8 million, then took centre stage, scoring his first goal in the 68th minute with a close-range finish. Eswatini's goalkeeper, Sibusiso 'Baraba' Dlamini, was left stranded as Nkosingiphile 'Skomota' Shongwe desperately attempted to clear the ball.
Piroe completed his brace in the 80th minute after another defensive error, putting the result beyond doubt and sealing a convincing victory for Suriname. Despite the heavy defeat, Eswatini can draw encouragement from their performance against Malta, where they secured a landmark 1-1 draw despite playing with 10 men following Gift 'Jobe' Gamedze's red card.
The result against Malta remains a significant milestone in Eswatini football history, although the defeat to Suriname provides a reminder of the challenges facing the national team as they continue their international development. Eswatini's captain, Philani 'Mkasabuli' Mkhonto, was the goalscorer for Sihlangu in the match against Malta.
The friendly match against Suriname provided valuable experience for Eswatini's players, who can use the lessons learned to improve their performance in future international matches. Eswatini's coach, Dominic Kunene, will likely use the insights gained from this match to prepare his team for upcoming challenges.
Key points
- West Ham United's Joël Piroe scored twice in the second half to lead Suriname to a 4-0 victory over Eswatini.
Reporting sources
- West Ham star’s brace sinks brave Sihlangu · Times of Swaziland
