DOUBLE NATIONAL-TEAM BOOST AS U20 AND U23 SQUADS SECURE KEY VICTORIES
Eswatini’s national football teams received a timely boost this week as the Under-20 and Under-23 sides recorded important victories, strengthening confidence ahead of their respective continental assignments.
The Eswatini U20 national team produced a spirited performance in the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifier Mozambique 2026, defeating Lesotho 3–2 to register a valuable victory in the regional competition.
The result provides an important response for the young Sihlangu following their opening-day setback against Angola and keeps the team’s campaign alive as they continue their pursuit of progress in the competition.
The victory also demonstrated the resilience and fighting spirit within the U20 squad, with the players showing character to secure all three points in a competitive encounter.
Meanwhile, the Eswatini U23 national team also boosted its preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a victory over Botswana in a friendly match on Monday.
The win comes at an important stage of the U23 team’s preparations as they build towards their competitive assignment against Malawi. The technical team will use the remaining preparation period to further assess the squad, strengthen combinations and fine-tune the team’s tactical approach ahead of the qualifiers.
Building momentum
The victories by the two national teams provide encouragement for Eswatini football, particularly as both squads continue their respective journeys towards continental competition.
For the U20s, the victory over Lesotho underlines the importance of maintaining belief and competitiveness throughout the COSAFA qualifying campaign. For the U23s, the win over Botswana provides valuable momentum and match preparation ahead of the much-anticipated qualifiers against Malawi.
Beyond the results, the performances represent opportunities for the country’s emerging players to gain valuable international experience and continue developing at national-team level.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) congratulates both teams, their technical teams, support staff and all stakeholders who continue to contribute to the development of the national teams.
Support
As both teams continue their respective campaigns, the EFA calls on the nation to rally behind the national teams.
Support from supporters, football stakeholders, sponsors, clubs, families and the wider football fraternity remains an important part of creating a positive environment for the players as they represent the country.
With the U20s continuing their TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON | COSAFA Qualifier campaign where they will play against South Africa on Wednesday noon, and the U23s preparing for their TotalEnergies CAF U23 AFCON qualifying challenge against Malawi on the 26th September (away) and 6th October 2026 (home), the coming period presents another opportunity for Eswatini football to unite behind its national teams.
The journey continues, and the nation is encouraged to stand behind the national teams as they carry the country’s flag on the regional and continental stage.