Eswatini target early damage in Malawi

MBABANE – Head Coach Friday Myeni’s Eswatini U-23 side target an away victory against Malawi in Tuesday’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Lilongwe.

Rather than setting up defensively on foreign soil, Myeni insists his troops will take the game directly to the hosts at Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday,  September 29, 2026.

“The objective is clear: We are here to redeem the country,”  Myeni said during the team’s farewell ceremony at the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Technical Centre in Lobamba on Saturday, September 26, 2026 “We have prepared not just to avoid conceding, but to actively score so that the return fixture is easier for us.”

The Manzini Sea Birds gaffer emphasised that his squad, built on talent from the MTN Premier League, Regional Super Leagues and school programmes, possesses the firepower needed to gain an early advantage.

Team Captain Luyanda Nhlengetfwa reiterated the group’s determination to settle the tie early before the return fixture at Somhlolo National Stadium on October 6.

“Our preparations have been thorough. We are going to Malawi to put in the hard work and secure a positive result so we can finish the job back home,” Nhlengetfwa stated.

EFA Vice President Nkosingiphile Shongwe rallied the team, calling for maximum focus and national pride. The delegation is led by Shiselweni Regional Football Association (SRFA) Chairperson, Nkosinathi ‘Zoro’ Kunene.

 Travelling Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sanele Sithole (Umbelebele FC), Mnotfo Nxumalo (Young Buffaloes FC)

Defenders: Mancoba Thwala (Red Rhinos FC), Sanele Mhlabane (Royal Leopard FC), Bongumenzi Khumalo (Mbabane Highlanders FC), Siphosethu Hlatjwako (Mbabane Swallows FC), Mthobisi Zwane (Nsingizini Hotspurs FC), Banele Mamba (Ludzeludze Killers FC), Sive Dlamini (Amawele FC)

Midfielders: Luyanda Nhlengetfwa (Nsingizini Hotspurs FC), Mfundo Kunene (Manzini Sea Birds FC), Sanele Ngwenya (Mbabane Swallows FC), Thandolwethu Mabelesa (Nsingizini FC), Sabelo Vilakati (Moneni Pirates FC)

Forwards: Njongo Mazibuko (Nsingizini Hotspurs FC), Ncamiso Nkwanyane (Red Rhinos FC), Malwande Gwebu (Manzini Wanderers FC), Njabulo Gama (Young Buffaloes FC), Bongiswa Dlamini (Mbabane Swallows FC), Bonkhe Masika (Moneni Pirates FC)