National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) forE450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
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EFA News

ESWATINI U20 BOW OUT AFTER FIGHTING SECOND-HALF DISPLAY AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA

Eswatini’s U20 national team has exited the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifier Mozambique 2026 after finishing third in Group B following a 2–0 defeat to defending champions South Africa on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.

The young Sihlangu were punished by a strong South African start, with Manelis Mazibuko opening the scoring in the 25th minute before Milimo Nalumango doubled the advantage nine minutes later.

Despite trailing 2–0 at the interval, Eswatini responded positively after the break. The team showed greater composure in possession, improved its attacking movement and created opportunities around the South African penalty area. However, the young Sihlangu were unable to find the breakthrough as South Africa protected its advantage to secure all three points.

The result leaves Eswatini with three points from three Group B matches, following a 4–0 defeat to Angola in their opening match and a spirited 3–2 victory over Lesotho on Monday.

Captain Njabulo Gama played a leading role in the victory over Lesotho, scoring twice, while Andiswa Malaza was also on target as Eswatini secured its first three points of the tournament.

For Head Coach Dominic Kunene, the campaign was about more than the results, with the competition providing an important platform for the country’s emerging players to gain international experience and showcase their potential. “More than the results was having the boys playing at this tournament, showcasing their talent,” said Kunene.

Reflecting on the defeat to South Africa, the coach acknowledged that Eswatini struggled to impose itself during the opening half. “We started poorly. We were losing the ball cheaply in midfield and they punished us with their pace,” he said.

Kunene was, however, encouraged by the team’s response after the interval and believes the experience will help identify areas requiring further development.

“I was impressed with the second half. We were getting into the South African goal area, but unfortunately the balls were not going in. That is something we need to work more on up front,” he added.

Although the result brings Eswatini’s campaign to an end, the tournament has provided valuable competitive exposure for a group of young players competing at international level. The experience gained in Mozambique will form part of their continued development as they progress through the national-team pathway.

 

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