The Senior Women National Team conceded three goals in the first half of the TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifier Match against Burkina Faso in a match that looked like the west Africans were going to have it easy against the Eswatini Senior Women’s National Team in a match that was played on Wednesday afternoon at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba. It was not a good start for the local girls as they committed a lot of errors at the back and they were punished by the Burkinabe. The was a lot of panicking from Sitsebe as they also lost the ball easily; however, splendid saves by the goalkeeper, Khanyisile Mvubu maintained the scoreline at 3-0 in favour of Barkina Faso at half time. burkina Faso scored their goals through Alimata (16th), Rasmata (18th), and Mouniratou (31st).
It was in the second half that Eswatini displayed a better performance as they were able to get more possession of the ball. An early second half goal by Samkelisiwe Simelane in the 48th minutes gave the Eswatini side some hope that they can come back. Sitsebe SaMhlekazi was able to share the ball and made more transitional passes that were able to unlock the defence of the Burkinabe defence. Celiwe Nkambule misses a glorious chance to reduce the deficit to one goal after his thunderous shot went over the crossbar with the goalkeeper to beat. Eswatini finally reduced the deficit by one goal after scoring the second goal through Tenanile Ngcamphalala in the 88th minute. Eswatini gained more confidence and created more chances unfortunately couldn’t find the back of the net.
The referee blew the final whistle of the match with the scoreline at 3-2 in favour of Burkina Faso. Both national teams will play again on Tuesday, 26th September 2023 in Ivory Coast.