ESWATINI OUT OF U-20 AFCON QUALIFIERS

MBABANE – End of the road.

Eswatini national Under-20s’ journey in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers has unfortunately been cut short after a goalless draw against Botswana.The decisive match was played in Maputo, Mozambique at ABB 2 Stadium, yesterday. In the final group game of the tournament that is played under the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) banner, Mduduzi ‘Sikhalo’ Nxumalo’s Eswatini came all out and put pressure on their opponents, Botswana in the opening of the first half. Both teams got equal chances but failed to convert them into potential goals. Eswatini Under-20 boys came into the match with three points and all they needed was a win against Botswana.

The first half was a quite competitive start, as both teams were fighting to get a goal. Botswana tried in the 42nd minute through Motheo Mogapi, who evaded the likes of Eswatini’s Junior Mthetfwa and Malwande Gwebu but ended up firing an empty bullet. The first half collapsed with both goalkeepers untroubled. In the resumption of the game, Eswatini export Phiwayinkhosi Dube was introduced to the field of play with the hope to change the game towards the right direction.

Eswatini blew a golden chance to put themselves into the semi-final when they missed a penalty deep into the 76th minute of play. Malwande Gwebu was fouled outside the box, but the referee adjudged the contact to be inside. Alakhe stepped up to take the penalty, but saw his effort saved by Botswana goalkeeper Frank Sekele low to his right. Eswatini also had a chance from the follow up, but the ball flashed wide.

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