Times Of Swaziland: 18 EUROPE-BASED STARS IN GAME

18 EUROPE-BASED STARS IN GAME
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Ntombikayise Gwebu on 29/08/2024 09:50:00


MATSAPHA – Sihlangu opponents Guinea-Bissau have named a strong-looking squad
for next Thursday’s AFCON Qualifier.
Guinea-Bissau National Manager Luis Boa Morte, announced a 25-man squad for
their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash against Eswatini yesterday. Sihlangu
will travel to this country for their group stage match on September 5. This
much-anticipated match marks the continuation of their 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.
The Djurtus, as Guinea-Bissau national team are fondly known, have opted to host
Eswatini at the September 24 National Stadium. Their official social media
platform confirmed these reports yesterday. Morte boasts a strong squad
dominated by 18 Europe-based players. Most of the players ply their trade in top
leagues in Spain, France and Portugal. Forward Mama Samba Balde, who currently
plays for France Ligue 1 team Olympique Lyon, headlines the list. The managers
will bank on FC Metz player Fali Cande in his defence to stop Eswatini
goal-poacher Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa.
The visitors will also rely on United Soccer League Championship (USL)-based
midfielder Jorge Braima Nogueira. He will battle with the likes of Sifiso
‘Ayoba’ Matse and Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala, if Assistant Coach Sifiso
‘Nuro’ Ntibane opts to use the latter in this position.Furthermore, defender
Jefferson Encada is the only Africa-based player contracted to Egypt outfit
Pharco. Sihlangu Captain Thwala feels optimistic they would compete well against
their opponents.“Inasmuch as they have a strong squad, our training is going
well. We have hope to giving them a tough time in the match,” he said.
Ntibane earlier announced a 25-man squad that saw the return of seasoned
goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela to the national team, after a hiatus of over two
years. He boasts a youthful squad made up of the likes of Bongwa ‘Logwaja’
Matsebula, Mthokozisi ‘Junihno’ Gwebu, Philani Mkhontfo and Gift Gamedze,
among others. Meanwhile, Sihlangu rely on Richards Bay forward Justice
‘Figa’ Figuareido as the lone international in their squad.Sihlangu will be
in revenge mode after suffering a 1-3 defeat when they last met in this same
tournament on March 26, 2021. Royal Leopard seasoned goal-shooter Felix
‘Fela’ Badenhorst pulled one back for Eswatini in this game.