Sihlangu gift Cape Verde first-ever WC qualification

Cape Verde ……………….(0)3

Jair 47^th, Willy 54^th, Stopira 90+1st

Eswatini …………………..(0)0

MBABANE – Cape Verde defeated Sihlangu 2–0 to book their first-ever FIFA World Cup spot in style.

The Blue Sharks needed only a victory to confirm qualification, and they did so emphatically before a packed Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde yesterday.

For Eswatini, defeat stretched their winless run across all competitions to eight matches, their last triumph dating back to December 2024 against Madagascar in the CHAN qualifiers.

Interim coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane reshuffled his team, adopting a defensive setup in the absence of suspended captain Lindo ‘Bhabhalazi’ Mkhonta and defenders Gift Gamedze and Siphosethu Mabilisa. Into the back line came in Sibongakonkhe Silenge, Mcolisi Manana and Sibonelo Sibandze, while Banele ‘Stiga’ Ndzabandzaba was pushed wide left and Innocent ‘Makhehleni’ Dlamini anchored the midfield. Muzi Tsabedze replaced the injured Justice Figuareido up front.

Tensions flared midway through the first half when Cape Verde playmaker Jamiro Monteiro stamped on goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala’s hand while challenging for a loose ball, prompting a brief scuffle. The hosts controlled possession, with Monteiro and Jair Semedo dictating play, but Shabalala produced a string of brave saves to keep the first half goalless.

Full article available in our publication.