Times Of Swaziland: SIHLANGU, ZEBRAS DUEL CONTINUES IN CHAN QUALIFIER

SIHLANGU, ZEBRAS DUEL CONTINUES IN CHAN QUALIFIER
================================================================================
Sanele Jele on 16/07/2022 09:20:00


There will only be one hurdle after the two-legged tie between these national
teams doing battle in the Plate Cup this afternoon after losing in the
quarterfinals of the COSAFA Cup.
There will be one more round of two-legged games to play before either of the
two earns the ticket to Algeria for the tournament that was postponed to next
year due to the 2022 edition playing in this year along with the Africa Cup of
Nations (AFCON) 2021. COVID-19 forced the postponements of most sporting events
worldwide including the Beijing Olympics 2021 which were held early this year.
The second leg will be played on July 31, in a yet to be confirmed venue in
South Africa as Eswatini has no hosting stadium, as per the ban by the
Confederation of African Football (CAF) of both Somhlolo National Stadium and
Mavuso Sports Centre.
Hurdle
The winners here face the hurdle of the islanders in either Madagascar or
Seychelles, and then whoever wins after two legs in the second round is through
to Algeria CHAN Finals. The Botswana clash in the CHAN qualification stage may
also mean no break for Sihlangu after the COSAFA Cup which finishes tomorrow in
Durban, South Africa. The CHAN second round is set for September 19 (first leg
away) and September 27 (second leg at home) against either Seychelles or
Madagascar for the winner.
Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Communications and Marketing Officer Muzi
Radebe said focus was on COSAFA and once the team returns home reports would be
presented. He explained it was after their return and reports that they would
know the way forward ahead of the CHAN Qualifiers.