Comoros ……………….(0)3
Fasifdine 45th, Ali 87th, Fahad 90+3
Eswatini ………………..(0)0
MBABANE – A 10-man Eswatini Under-17 team began their journey to the 2026 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a disappointing note.
The junior national football side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Comoros in their Group A opener at Ngoni Mwos Stadium. The tournament, which began yesterday in Harare, Zimbabwe, runs until September 20, 2025. At least 12 teams are battling for regional bragging rights and the coveted spot at the continental finals next year.
With only the three group winners and the best runners-up advancing to the semi-finals, the defeat dealt a blow to the country’s dream of making its first-ever continental football appearance. The Eswatini team, coached by Sindiso Gama, are in Group A alongside hosts Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Comoros. It is worth noting that Zimbabwe were champions in 2007.
Comoros broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Fasifdine capitalised on a well-taken set-piece from Man of the Match Daniel Ali, tapping in for the opening goal.
The second half saw young ‘Les Coelacanthes intensify’ their attack. Their efforts were rewarded with a penalty, which was brilliantly saved by Eswatini’s goalkeeper Nkosenhle Kunene. Kunene was called into action again shortly after, punching out a powerful shot from Ali for a corner.
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