MBABANE – It is make or break for the Eswatini U-23 men’s national squad as they stand just 90 minutes away from facing Algeria in the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Friday Myeni troops have a date with their Malawian counterparts in a must-win second leg of the qualifiers today, October 6, at the Somhlolo National Stadium. Eswatini come into this match enjoying a slender 1-0 advantage after defeating Malawi in their own backyard a week ago at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
It was Moneni Pirates enterprising striker Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati who broke the hearts of the Malawians with a stunner in the 73rd minute to give Eswatini the necessary advantage and away goal going into the decisive clash.
Speaking on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Somhlolo National Stadium during the pre-match press conference, Myeni said preparations were going well for the second leg and the squad was injury-free.
He will be pinning his hopes on ‘Mzala’, Nsingizini Hotspurs striker Njongo ‘Jakalazi’ Mazibuko and national Under-20 Captain Njabulo Gama to trouble Malawi in pursuit of a date with Algeria in the second round of qualifiers.
The local lads’ defenders Sive Dlamini and Sethu Mamba, alongside promising Umbelebele goalkeeper Xolani Sithole, who had a stellar match in Malawi, will have to be on the lookout for the troublesome Mwisho Mhango, Blessings Kanowa and Captain Happy Mphepo to avoid any heartbreak at home.
The winner today on aggregate will face Algeria, which recently suffered a 3-1 defeat to South Africa’s Under-23 side in a friendly played this past Thursday, October 1, 2026.
These qualifiers also serve as the pathway to the 2028 Summer Olympics (LA28), which will take place in Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA), from July 14 to July 30, 2028. The AFCON final tournament will be held in Egypt in late 2027, serving as the ultimate qualification stage for the Games after being confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
