FELIX BLOW FOR SIHLANGU

LOBAMBA - COSAFA leading all-time goalscorer, Felix Badenhorst, has been left out of the squad that will face Mozambique in back-to-back TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifiers.

The senior men’s national team, Sihlangu, left yesterday afternoon en route to the neighbouring country for their match at Zimpeto Stadium at 3pm tomorrow. They will also face off on Monday at 9pm at Mbombela Stadium as the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifications near their conclusion. He is reportedly injured. Coach Zdravko Logarusic had initially called 29 players to enter full camp from September 30. He, however, then trimmed it to 22 players. The others include a trio from Badenhorst’s team, Royal Leopard. These are shot-stopper Ncamiso ‘Mbonyo’ Dlamini and right-back Mlamuli Msibi, who were also ruled out by injuries. Sikhumbuzo Magagula could also not make it onto the finalist list.

Another player sidelined by an injury was Mbabane Highlanders’ defender Kwezi Matsebula. Another player who was dropped was Young Buffaloes’ attacker Ali Matse. Speaking during the send-off event, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President, Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane urged the national troops to stun Mozambique in both matches to stand a better chance of qualification. He described the Croatian mentor as the Messiah who would take Eswatini out of where it is now. “ Prove them wrong and defeat Mozambique in both matches,” ‘Samora’ told Logarusic. He also admitted that the past performances against Guinea-Bissau and Mali, respectively, where Sihlangu lost 1-0 in both matches, were disappointing. The EFA boss said wins against neighbours could restore the team’s respect ahead of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Logarusic promised not to disappoint and to get the desired results. He promised to represent the country properly and make it proud. Captain Lindo Mkhonta said players are aware of the previous results and had put them behind. With four games to go in the qualifiers, Eswatini are rooted at the bottom of Group I without a point. Mozambique lead the pack. They are joint at four points with Mali. Guinea-Bissau are at three points.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: