Eswatini chase 24-year COSAFA semis dream

MBABANE – Eswatini face South Africa in a TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations COSAFA Qualifier clash at the ABB Stadium, needing victory to secure a historic semi-final berth.

The do-or-die match is penned for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as the side seek a place in the knockout stages of the regional youth football flagship tournament, which also doubles as a qualifier for the continental finals.

The Dominic Kunene-coached side occupy third place in the standings with three points from two matches, bouncing back from an opening defeat with a gritty 3-2 victory over Lesotho in the regional tournament. While a draw could theoretically suffice depending on goal difference and the simultaneous match between Angola and Lesotho, safety realistically demands a famous victory against the regional powerhouses.

Eswatini are chasing a return to the tournament’s advanced stages, a feat last achieved 24 years ago in 2002 under unusual circumstances. Back then, they advanced past the group phase by default following Madagascar’s withdrawal in a two-team group. Despite a 2-0 defeat to Zimbabwe, the format allowed them to progress before tournament hosts South Africa handed them a heavy 7-1 defeat in the knockout rounds.

Amajita head into the final Group B fixture sitting comfortably at the summit with six points from two matches. The title holders have been in devastating form, sweeping aside Lesotho 3-0 before cruising past Angola 2-0. They boast a watertight defence that has yet to concede a single goal, while their attack continues to click with clinical efficiency.

Historically, head-to-head encounters heavily favour the South Africans, who have routinely dominated regional meetings at youth level. Eswatini face a monumental mountain to climb if they are to unlock a stubborn rearguard that has completely stifled opposition attacks throughout the competition.

Eswatini must produce the performance of a lifetime to upset the odds, overcome their historical hoodoo against Amajita and write an unforgettable chapter in their footballing history.