It was a good day for the Senior Men’s National Team on Saturday evening as Eswatini was victorious against Namibia in the on-going 2023 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup that is played in Durban, South Africa. With the hosts recording a win in the earlier match at the expense of Botswana, both Eswatini and Namibia had to play catch-up to both teams. The victory for South Africa put the at 4 points, Botswana at 3 points. As a result of today’s victory for Eswatini, Sihlangu has 3 points whilst Namibia still has the single point.
Sihlangu’s technical bench made several changes compared to the opening match of the competition. In this match, Neliswa Dlamini, Philani Mkhotfo, Mzwandile Mabelesa, Mlamuli Msibi and Siboniso Mamba were the changes that were made in the starting line-up. In the absence of Sabelo Ndzinisa, Mxolisi Mkhontfo was the top man. Kwakhe Tfwala was shifted to the left back position. It was a more offensive line-up that which could also defend. Both the right back (Mlamuli Msibi) and left back gave more options when going forward with their ability to deliver quality crosses. Siboniso Mamba added more stability and hight at the back.
Sihlangu was more mobile and gave the opposition tough times from the first whistle to the last. The was more mobility and urgency in the team with man of the match Bongwa Matsebula giving Ivan Kamberipa tough times thus being substituted in the 26th minute of the match. Namibia drew first blood in the 34th minute through a well-executed dead ball outside the 18-area box that found the left corner of Ncamiso Dlamini’s net. Eswatini responded through the run of play with a thunderous strike from Sifiso Matse in the 39th minute. Bongwa Matsebula won the match after placing the ball past an advising Edward Maova in the Namibian’s goal in the 42nd minute. In the 43rd minute Eswatini was forced to replace Ncamiso Dlamini in goal after he was injured and he was replaced by Sandanezwe Mathabela.
The referee sent both teams to the dressing rooms for half time with Eswatini leading by 2-1. In the second half, Eswatini continued to search for more goals; however, the goal scoring chances went begging. As the match approached the final whisthle, Eswatini made changes as Neliswa Dlamini, Philani Mkhontfo and Mlamuli Msibi were rested for more defensive players by the name of Sihlangu Mkhwanazi and Lindo Mkhonta. Fanelo Mamba also came in for Philani Mkhontfo. The referee ended the match to the jubilation of the travelling Eswatini fans.