LOBAMBA – Former Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa has tipped four African countries to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
Mthethwa was speaking shortly after announcing the Team Eswatini squad that will represent the country at the Commonwealth Games, which are set to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, next month.
Turning his focus to the ongoing World Cup, Mthethwa stated that Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco and Cape Verde will certainly progress to the next round.
“I have watched Morocco, Cape Verde and Egypt. Those countries are well-organised, and they can compete fairly, pound for pound, with European opponents. I was thoroughly impressed by Cape Verde, a country that qualified from our group. They have tremendously improved; they tightened their defence and the goalkeeper was exceptional.”
He also noted that in the old days, the ‘big guns’ would beat African teams with ease, but that dynamic has shifted.
“I was impressed that Morocco were actually playing and creating chances against Brazil. This gives me hope; even Egypt were winning the game against Belgium.”
He added that he was disappointed that some of the major footballing nations were not performing at their best.
“I am disappointed. I mean, when Spain or Brazil are playing, you expect good football with lots of goals, but I have not seen that in the games I have watched. Hopefully, they will improve.”
EOCGA President and former EFA President Adam 'Bomber' Mthethwa has tipped four African countries to advance to the next stage of the FIFA World Cup. (Pic:Sanele Jele)