EFA CONFIRMS BUSY NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE FOR SIHLANGU AND U23 NATIONAL TEAM
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has confirmed an active November 2026 international window for the Senior Men’s National Team, Sihlangu, and the U23 Men’s National Team, with both sides set to compete in important international fixtures.
Sihlangu will travel to Europe to face Malta in an international friendly on 12 November 2026, while the U23 national team will take on Algeria in a two-legged TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, with the first leg scheduled for 11 November in Eswatini and the return leg on 16 November in Algeria.
The fixtures form part of the EFA’s continued efforts to provide its national teams with international exposure, strengthen competitiveness and create opportunities for the development of football in the country.
Sihlangu to Face Malta in International Friendly
The EFA has confirmed that arrangements for the international friendly between Sihlangu and the Malta Senior Men’s National Team have been successfully concluded between the two football associations.
The remaining processes involve administrative arrangements relating to travel, hosting logistics and the respective delegations.
The match will provide Sihlangu with an opportunity to test themselves against European opposition as the association continues its efforts to revitalise the senior men’s national team and explore further international football opportunities.
Meanwhile, the EFA is at an advanced stage of the process to appoint the head coach and technical staff who will lead Sihlangu into the November FIFA International Match Window. An announcement is expected by the end of October 2026, subject to the completion of the necessary administrative procedures.
The appointed coach is expected to assume duties at the beginning of November, with player selection planned for the first week of the month. The selected squad will then enter camp before travelling to Malta for the international friendly.
U23 National Team Prepares for Algeria Challenge
The U23 Men’s National Team will also be in action during the November international window as it continues its campaign in the TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The team will host Algeria in the first leg on 11 November 2026 before travelling for the return fixture on 16 November 2026. The two matches will present a significant challenge for the young side as it seeks to progress in the continental competition.
To strengthen preparations for the encounter, the U23 national team is also expected to play an international friendly ahead of the Algeria fixtures. Discussions with potential opponents are ongoing, with further details to be announced once arrangements have been finalised.
The additional fixture is intended to provide the technical team with an opportunity to assess the squad and sharpen preparations ahead of the crucial qualifying matches.
EFA Strengthens International Competition Opportunities
The November schedule highlights the EFA’s commitment to securing competitive international fixtures for both the senior and U23 national teams.
While Sihlangu will gain valuable exposure against European opposition in Malta, the U23 side will be focused on its quest to advance in the TotalEnergies CAF U23 AFCON qualifiers against Algeria.
The EFA will communicate further updates regarding the national team coach appointment, squad selections and the U23 team’s preparatory friendly as the respective arrangements are finalised.