MBABANE – “We are very disappointed with the recent results of our national team.”
These were the words of the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, following Sihlangu’s 2-1 defeat against unranked Eritrea at the Somhlolo National Stadium.
The second leg of the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round qualifier was played this Tuesday. The Lindo ‘Bhabhalazi’ Mkhonta-captained side entered the match needing at least a 3-0 win over the visitors, as Eritrea held a 2-0 lead from the first leg.
However, it was not to be, as Eritrea defeated Sihlangu 2-1 to book a spot in the group stages with a 4-1 aggregate score for the first time in the history of the Eritrean Football Federation. The two-legged tie marked Eritrea’s return to competitive football after over 18 years of inactivity.
The minister expressed his disappointment at the squad’s failure to qualify for the next phase of the AFCON qualifiers against a team that has been inactive for over a decade, though he was quick to note that Eritrea was tactically superior to Sihlangu. “I will have to engage the Eswatini Football Association as we need to sit down to discuss the challenges in the squad,” Nzima said.
He added that his observation of the current situation suggested the country could not beat any nation in any tournament. “It was not good to lose at home, even if they were tactically better than us,” he said.
Nzima noted that poor preparations are a major factor, but remains hopeful that once the Sports Bill he tabled in parliament is passed into an Act, significant improvements will be seen, as current preparations are hindered by financial challenges.
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