A HARSH RECEPTION FOR THE YOUTH SQUADES IN THE AUSC REGION 5 GAME

The Eswatini U20 Boys and Girls National Teams receive a harsh reception in the on-going AUSC Region 5 Tournament in Namibia after losing their first matches against Angola and Botswana respectively.

In the Boys’ match against Botswana, the young Zebras as Botswana is affectingly known scored the first goal of the match through Tsothlego who concerted from the penalty spot on the 15^th minute after Eswatini fouled a Botswana defender in the box. Eswatini tried to search for an equalize until the referee sent both teams to their dressing rooms for half time.

In the second half Botswana came stronger as they were in search of the 2^nd goal whilst Eswatini was trying very hard to get an equalizer. Botswana extended the lead in the 65^th minute via Ngube to make the sore line 2-0 in favour of Botswana. Eswatini opened their goal scoring account in the 80^th minute through Phiwayinkhosi Dube.  Eswatini’s hope of getting the equalizer was dented by Evans in the 87^th minute when he netted Botswana’s third goal to make the scoreline to be 3-1 in favour of Botswana.

Girls

It was also a loss for the girls’ national team at the expense of Angola. Eswatini started very well as they were the first ones to find the back of the net through Setsabile Dlamini in the 41^st minute. This was a positive first half for the Eswatini side as the half time score was in their favour by a solitary goal.

In the second half, Angola made some tactical changes as they introduced new players and upped the tempo of the match. These tactical changes paid dividends to the play of Angola as they dominated play and started dictating terms, and found the back of the net through Sandra Correia in the 54^th minute. Maria Viera extended Angola’s lead in the 52^nd minute as Eswatini was still trying to regroup after conceding the first goal. She completed her brace in the 63^rd minute to make the scoreline to be 3-1. Eswatini reduced the goals deficit after Nozenzo Gama scored Eswatini’s 2^nd goal in the 66^th minute. Angola’s Glòria Araùjo cemented the Angolan’s victory by netting Angola’s 4^th and final goal of the match to make the scoreline to be 4-2 until the final whistle of the match.