STAR -STUDDED TEST FOR GOALSHY SIHLANGU: MAN UNITED STAR TO FACE ESWATINI

MBABANE – Eswatini’s strikers will confront an imposing barrier of Manchester United’s André Onana, who will be guarding the goal for Cameroon.

On March 19, 2025, the Indomitable Lions will clash with Sihlangu at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, in a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Onana, a formidable presence both at club and international level, is instrumental in Cameroon’s Group D campaign, where they are currently leading with eight points from four matches, while Eswatini are languishing at the bottom with a disheartening zero points as they enter this fifth matchday.

Experience

For Onana, the transition from the hallowed grounds of Old Trafford to international duty is routine yet fraught with intensity. Since reconciling with the national team, he has been Cameroon’s unequivocal No. 1 under coach Marc Brys, who masterfully blends youth and experience. In June 2024, Onana nearly secured a clean sheet in a 4-1 demolition of Cape Verde and held firm in a goalless stalemate against Angola, bolstering Cameroon’s impressive record of nine goals scored against just two conceded.

Facing an Eswatini side that has managed a mere single goal in four outings, he will command a defence likely to include Jean-Charles Castelletto and Christopher Wooh, both of whom ply their trade at FC Nantes in Ligue 1, France. As Cameroon prepares to field potential stars Vincent Aboubakar and Bryan Mbeumo, who play for Besiktas and Brentford respectively, they will rely on Onana’s sharp reflexes and exceptional distribution to outmaneuver Libya and Cape Verde, both of whom sit on seven points.

Eswatini’s squad has yet to be confirmed; however, it is anticipated to include Green Mamba’s Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, the current MTN Premier League top scorer, alongside versatile Junior Magagula from Royal Leopard and Green Mamba’s first-choice goalkeeper, Xolani Gama.
These three are near certainties, given their pivotal roles in Sihlangu’s previous World Cup qualifiers, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaigns.

Under the tutelage of Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic, Eswatini has been vigorously scouting talent in stadiums, with Logarusic poised to announce his squad before Monday. The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) CEO, Frederick Mngomezulu, confirmed that the team will commence their training camp following the Ingwenyama Cup semifinals, featuring Royal Leopard versus Young Buffaloes and three-time champions Mbabane Swallows against Moneni Pirates at Mavuso Sports Centre.

For Onana, this match represents more than just another fixture - it is an opportunity to lead Cameroon back to glory as five-time World Cup qualifiers. Eswatini, whom Cameroon narrowly defeated 1-0 in November 2023, will test his resolve, but the United goalkeeper is expected to be well-prepared to repel their advances.

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