Egypt clash beckons for Eswatini U-23s

This was after Neliswa Dlamini was brought down at the edge of the box.

The visitors’ only clear chance was a header from Godfrey Tauyatswala, who rose the highest from a telling cross delivered by Doctor David, which unfortunately missed the target. The host team continued where they had left off in the second half, doubling their lead three minutes into it. It was ‘Masoso’ who let fly a scorcher from just outside the box on a second attempt as Bandile Shabangu’s initial attempt was blocked. In a moment of wildness, Eswatini goalkeeper Nkosinathi Mathe nearly gifted the Tswanas a goal as he came out of his box to clear a harmless ball, but he miskicked it only for the marvellous centre-back Ndukuzempi Gamedze to his rescue him as he cleared the ball for safety before it crossed the goal line.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Bongiswa Dlamini (Eswatini)

The Moneni Pirates youngster was a marvel to watch with his good reading of the game. He controlled the belly of the park well and he sent good shots at goal. He capped his good day in office with a well taken set piece which resulted in the first goal. He is one for the future!

Zambian referee Hamalila Moonje blew his whistle to signal the end of the game. The Kwakhe Tfwala-captained side ended the jinx for Eswatini’s senior national team, Sihlangu who failed to beat their counterparts in three successive occasions. This was once in the 2022 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Championship and twice in African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022 Qualifiers. Meanwhile, Eswatini mentor, Nuro said he was happy with the performance of the boys as they used the home ground advantage well and they played according to his instructions.

“We created a lot of chances which we failed to utilise, but I can’t crucify my boys as this shows that we were attacking them,” Ntibane said.

plan

He also said they were going back to the drawing board to plan for the second leg and finish off the business in Botswana next week Tuesday. The Tambankulu Callies gaffer said the plan was to avoid giving Botswana an away goal, which he said it happened as planned. His counterpart Kaelo Kaelo said both sets of players displayed a wonderful game of football, but unfortunately he was on the losing side. He said Eswatini had good young players who were very quick and well organised. He, however, said they were hopeful that back home they would reverse the deficit.