SHY START FOR THE U17 MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM IN THE AFCON QUALIFIERS
The U17 Men’s National Team started on a shy note in the TotalEnergies AFCON U17 | COSAFA Qualifiers against Comoros on a Thursday noon kick-off match in Zimbabwe. Eswatini was very shy in front of goals from the few goal scoring opportunities that were created. Comoros meant business from the initial whistle as they dominated the match by displaying superior tactics and technical ability taking advantage that some of their players are attached in European based academies; thus, being exposed to better player development facilities.
In the 6th Eswatini’s goalkeeper Luyanda Ndlovu saved what was supposed to be the first goal of the tournament by executing a double save after denying Comoro’s Mchangama’s penalty, and saving his follow-up as well. The Islanders were all over Eswatini which resulted in them getting their first goal of the match and the tournament in the 45th +1 minute which was the only goal of the first half.
Eswatini tried to make some changes in the 2nd half in search of the equalizer; but Comoros continues to apply more pressure that made them to continue dominating the match. The consequence for that, was for Comoros to score two more goals in the 2nd half with no response from Eswatini. The final score of this match was 3-0 in favour of Comoros.
International exposure
The Eswatini Head Coach, Sindiso Gama lamented this defeat to his players ‘lack of international exposure. “The players were affected by the lack of international exposure. They are still young and this is a lerning curve for them,” Gama said. He also highlighted that his players were found wanting in crucial zones. “We did not cover the crucial zones; thus, we were punished from our mistakes,” Gama said.
Eswatini will play the 2nd match of the tournament on the 13th September 2025 against Zimbabwe at the Ngini Mwos Stadium. Kick-off is at 1500hrs.
