Pressure to tame ‘Zebras’ in opener

Eswatini vs Botswana Somhlolo National Stadium 3pm

MBABANE – The journey to the TOTALEnergies Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins today.

The AFCON finals will be held in Egypt next year and not all the teams from the Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) would participate, but only one which will be crowned the champions of the COSAFA Under-20 Championships. Eswatini is home to the regional championships from today until October 16.

Eswatini national men’s Under-20 squad coached by Manzini Wanderers gaffer Mduduzi ‘Sikhalo’ Nxumalo will be looking to use the home ground advantage in their quest to not only conquer the region, but qualify for the TOTALEnergies Under-20 AFCON for the first time in the history of Eswatini football.

The first hurdle, which the Nxumalo-led charges must pass is the tricky match against Botswana in a game billed for the Somhlolo National Stadium today, starting at 3pm.

The local youngsters will also enjoy the presence of the 12th player as entrance to these games is free of charge. Nxumalo’s battalions have to beat their counterparts, as Botswana have become the senior national side, Sihlangu’s hoodoo side for the past 20 years.

Jinx

This jinx was recently broken by the Under-23s in the qualifiers for 2023 TOTALEnergies Under-23 AFCON to be played in Morocco.

POSSIBLE LINE-UP

Samkelo Shongwe

Siphephelo Philiso

Muzi Mkhonta

Bongumusa Fakudze

Banele Nkambule

Mancoba Maseko

Phumlani Shongwe

Luyanda Shabangu

Mayibongwe Mabuza

Mukelo Nkambule

Colani Dvuba

Player to watch: Mayibongwe ‘Saurez’ Mabuza (Eswatini)

Eswatini survived a scare to progress 3-2 on aggregate.

Despite sketchy preparations due to the fact that some players juggle school and the national team activities, Eswatini will be looking at maintaining that record of winning against the ‘Young Zebras’ by collecting the maximum points to start the tournament on a high note.

The country has been pitted in Group A against Mauritius, Zambia and Botswana.

(File pic) Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala (front L) and ECA President Sihlangu Nhlabatsi (front R) leading hundreds of cyclists during the start of the third edition of the Mormond STIX MTB Classic which started and finished at Manzini Club. The new edition will be held this Saturday.

(Pic: Botswana FA) Botswana Under-20 players during a training session ahead of the COSAFA opener against Eswatini at Somhlolo National Stadium.