‘AFCON QUALIFIERS PREVIEW: COACH-LESS’ SIHLANGU OUT TO FRUSTRATE GUINEA-BISSAU

MBABANE- Sihlangu are set to challenge Guinea-Bissau in their penultimate round of the AFCON Qualifiers.

With Eswatini’s aspirations for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) already unfulfilled, this could be a pivotal match for the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau. Currently positioned at the bottom of Group I, Eswatini has no possibility of advancing, even with victories in their remaining fixtures. In contrast, Guinea-Bissau, currently third in the group,  have a realistic chance for qualification. They are four points adrift of both group leaders Mozambique and second-placed Mali, who are level on eight points. Sihlangu recently experienced a significant setback, suffering a 3-0 defeat at home to Mozambique in the fourth round of the qualifiers.

Victory

However, their morale has been revitalised following a convincing 4-0 aggregate victory over Zimbabwe in the first preliminary round of the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
Notably, Zdravko Logarusic, the Head Coach, has been ruled out following a reported disagreement with his employers. Assistant Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane is expected to take charge during this fixture. Despite their potential, Guinea-Bissau has struggled in recent AFCON qualifiers, securing only one draw and two defeats in their last three matches.Nevertheless, they will be keen to secure maximum points, having previously triumphed over the hosts in their opening qualifier. For Eswatini, the focus has shifted towards assessing squad readiness for the upcoming CHAN second preliminary round against Madagascar.

Rely

‘Nuro’ will rely on Junior Magagula, who netted three goals in the previous CHAN match, alongside the returning versatile midfielder Kwakhe Tfwala. Additionally, the inclusion of natural striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa adds depth to their attacking options. On the opposing side, Guinea-Bissau boasts several internationally-based players. Coach Luis Boa Morte will look to Portugal-based striker Mama Baldé, along with Jorge Braima and Mamadu Mama, to keep their qualification hopes alive. As both teams approach this crucial encounter, the dynamics of their current form and aspirations will undoubtedly make for an intriguing matchup.

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