MBABANE — Eswatini’s under-20 side face a stern Group B test against South Africa’s international-backed squad in the COSAFA qualifiers.
The Dominic Kunene-coached troops share Group B in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Qualifiers with Angola, Lesotho and regional heavyweights South Africa. Eswatini will kick off their campaign against Angola on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
According to COSAFA Online news, South Africa Under-20 Head Coach Raymond Mdaka has finalised his 23-man squad for the tournament in Mozambique. The squad features overseas-based additions, including attacking midfielder Kgomotso Madiba from Brazilian giants Fluminense and defender Matthew Palmer from Croatian side NK Slaven Belupo.
Amajita have been training in Johannesburg since September 8, though they depart for Mozambique without Cape Town City duo Emille Witbooi and Cayden Fortune due to club commitments. Both players are expected to link up with the national team camp on Sunday following the opening fixture.
While the defending champions begin their campaign against Lesotho on September 19 before taking on Angola, their group stage journey culminates in a crucial showdown against Eswatini on Wednesday, September 23.
With only the group winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semi-finals, the fixtures carry immense weight for Eswatini’s qualification hopes. Coach Mdaka has handed the Amajita captaincy to former under-17 midfielder Lazola Maku, with goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba serving as vice captain, as they look to secure a top-two finish in Mozambique and punch their ticket to the 2027 AFCON in Ghana.
Meanwhile, the local Under-20 squad assistant coach Velekhaya Mtsetfwa expressed his confidence that the team are targeting a strong showing in the tournament. The former Manzini Wanderers gaffer believes the team have used their preparation period effectively and are ready to compete against some of the region’s top sides.
Group B Fixtures:
Saturday, September 19
12pm: South Africa vs Lesotho
3pm: Angola vs Eswatini
Monday, September 21
3pm: South Africa vs Angola
6pm: Eswatini vs Lesotho
Wednesday, September 23
12pm: South Africa vs Eswatini
12pm: Lesotho vs Angola
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