(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Eswatini……………………. (0)1
Njongo 79th
Malawi……………………… (0)1
Mchema 90+1st
LOBAMBA – They bent, they battled, they bled, but they did not break.
The country’s national Under-23 squad have marched into the second round of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after playing to a 1-all draw against Malawi at a rain-drenched Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.
The result secured a 2-1 aggregate victory, with Eswatini progressing courtesy of their precious 1-0 away victory in Lilongwe last week to book a date with Algeria. The two nations will meet in the second round, with the first leg scheduled for November 9 in Algeria and the return leg in Eswatini on November 17.
Eswatini’s reward for eliminating Malawi is, therefore, not a payday yet, but another mountain to climb.
The road to Egypt has three qualifying rounds, all played over two legs. Having negotiated the first round, Myeni’s charges must now overcome Algeria before facing one final two-legged tie in the third round on March 22 and 30, 2027. Only then will they book their place at the eight-team finals in Egypt.
That is where the financial prize awaits as CAF’s published prize-money structure offers US$100 000, approximately E1.67 million, to a team finishing fourth in its group at the finals. The champions will pocket US$350 000, about E5.83 million. There is no published prize money for the qualifying rounds.
Yesterday, however, it was survival before silverware. Heavy rain turned Somhlolo into a slippery, waterlogged theatre, with the surface making fluent football almost impossible.
Malawi began the more aggressive side and repeatedly tested Eswatini’s defence. Xolani Sithole, however, stood tall, producing a string of crucial interventions to keep the hosts alive.
At the other end, Njongo Mazibuko nearly punished Malawi just before half-time after the visitors’ goalkeeper Masamba strayed from his area, but the effort was cleared.
Malawi returned after the interval with renewed purpose and created several openings, but Sithole continued to frustrate them. Then, in the 79th minute came the moment that changed everything. Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati sparked the attack before Malwande Gwebu delivered the telling pass to Mazibuko. The Nsingizini Hotspurs striker made no mistake, firing into the top corner to send Somhlolo into delirium. Malawi, though, refused to disappear and John Mchema struck in the first minute of stoppage time.
For a few nervous moments, Eswatini were staring into the abyss, but they held. The final whistle arrived and with it came confirmation: Eswatini had survived Malawi and advanced.
