MBABANE – As Eswatini took a big step towards the third and final round of the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Mali did the same.
Both nations played the first legs of their second preliminary round ties on Wednesday. Eswatini staged a second-half comeback at home to stun Algeria 2-1 at Somhlolo National Stadium. The goal heroes on the day were Bongumenzi ‘Dazza’ Khumalo and Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati. The result leaves Friday Myeni’s troops just 90 minutes away from reaching the final qualifying round for next year’s tournament in Egypt.
On the same day, their potential third-round opponents Mali hammered Eswatini regional rivals Zimbabwe to take a strong first-leg advantage. Zimbabwe now need to win by at least four clear goals in the return leg to progress, while a goalless draw in Algeria would be enough for Eswatini if they fail to pick up another win.
However, Algeria’s away goal also remains a threat ahead of next Monday’s second leg on November 16. Algeria returned home immediately after Wednesday’s match on a chartered flight, while Eswatini depart tomorrow, Friday, for the decisive second leg.
Should both advance, Mali and Eswatini would meet in the next round. It is worth noting that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Under-23 competition also serves as the qualifying pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Mali have reached the Olympics twice before , appearing in the Athens and Paris Games in 2004 and 2024, in that order.
