ESWATINI U23 ADVANCE TO FACE ALGERIA AFTER DRAW WITH MALAWI

The Eswatini U23 National Team secured their place in the next round of the TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers after a 1–1 draw at Somhlolo National Stadium on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.

The result saw Eswatini progress 2–1 on aggregate following their crucial 1–0 victory over Malawi in the first leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Eswatini broke the deadlock in the 76th minute when Njongo Mazibuko found the back of the net to put the hosts ahead and move the side closer to securing qualification.

Malawi, however, continued to push for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 90th minute when John Nchema levelled the scores.

Despite the late setback, Eswatini held firm during the closing stages to secure the aggregate victory and book their place in the next round.

NEXT STOP: ALGERIA

The qualification sets up a challenging second-round encounter against Algeria U23, with the tie scheduled for November 2026.

The progression represents another important step in the development of the Eswatini U23 National Team and provides the young squad with an opportunity to test itself against another strong African side.

MYENI: “WE HAVE TO BE BETTER PREPARED FOR ALGERIA”

Head Coach Friday Myeni welcomed the result, highlighting its significance for the nation while acknowledging the need for greater preparation ahead of the Algeria encounter.

“It is a great result for the nation considering that the senior men’s national team was not getting the results that the public admired; however, we have to be better prepared for Algeria as they have a different character compared to Malawi.”

Myeni also identified counter-attacking play and speed as areas the technical team will continue to work on as preparations begin for the next round.

The Algeria tie will provide another opportunity for the U23 squad to build on the experience gained from the two-legged encounter against Malawi and continue developing within the national team pathway.