MBABANE – A huge blow!
Eswatini Under-23 men’s national team have been dealt a major setback ahead of their crunch TotalEnergies U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) second-round preliminary second-leg match against Algeria.
The local side, which sent shockwaves across the continent after defeating powerhouse Algeria 2-1 in the first leg, will be without the services of defender Mthobisi ‘Mvala’ Zwane. According to Head Coach Friday Myeni, the player will not make the trip to the North African country due to suspension.
“Captain Luyanda Nhlengetfwa was suspended for this game and we will have to do without Mthobisi Zwane in the second leg, as he has received two yellow cards,” Myeni said.
Speaking during a post-match interview at the Somhlolo National Stadium after watching his charges record a historic victory over Algeria, the Manzini Sea Birds gaffer revealed that ‘Mvala’ is automatically suspended for the return leg after being cautioned in the match.
“He got a yellow card in the game against Malawi and today, which, according to CAF rules, means he is suspended for the next match,” he said.
Commenting on the match, Myeni observed that they faced a tactically sound side, but capitalised on their slump after they showed signs of fatigue in the second half.
He stated that, according to his observation, the visitors’ intention was to score an early goal, which they eventually got 10 minutes after the half-hour mark via defender Gaetan Jean.
He further said they regrouped in the second half and turned the tables through Bongumenzi Khumalo and Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati to take a slender lead to Algeria.
The aggregate winner of this tie will face the winner of the clash between Zimbabwe and Mali. Mali won the first leg 3-0 in Zimbabwe to boost their chances of reaching the third and final round of qualifiers on the road to Egypt next year.
The seven aggregate winners from the final qualifying round will join host nation Egypt at the final tournament in November 2027. At the finals, the top three finishers will qualify directly for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States of America, while the fourth-placed team will enter an inter-confederation play-off for a potential extra Olympic slot.
