Ihlangu o’’onents
MBABANE – Eswatini national team Sihlangu and their next AFCON opponents Cape Verde still have no approved venues for category ‘A’ international matches in the new year.
Over the past weekend, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved several stadiums to host the qualifying matches across the continent and only 24 of the 48 participating nations had their home grounds given a go-ahead to stage the matches.
Those without approval include Sihlangu and their next opponents in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Cape Verde. These two countries are expected to play backto-back fixtures in the period of March 21-26, 2023.
Eswatini was awaiting CAF approval for Somhlolo National Stadium, which is still undergoing renovations. They have been hosting their games in South Africa. Cape Verde, on the other hand, hosted their last home match against Togo at Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
At the time of compiling this report, Cape Verde was yet to confirm the venue for the Sihlangu game next month.
Despite the latest update on the approved venues, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe said there was no recent inspection by CAF at Somhlolo since last year.
“We’re still working on the logistics of the next game, including the venue for hosting Cape Verde. The coaches will also soon announce the squad for camp,” said Radebe.
Meanwhile, CAF directed that countries without approved stadiums will have the option of an adopted ground to host their home matches.
COUNTRIES WITHOUT STADIUM FOR CAF MATCHES:
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Confirm
Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi
Cape Verde CA Republic DR Congo Eswatini Ethiopia Gambia Guinea Guinea-Bissau Kenya
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Lesotho Liberia Mozambique Namibia Niger Rwanda
Sao Tome Sierra Leone South Sudan Sudan Uganda Zimbabwe
SIHLANGU‘S NEXT AFCON FIXTURES: 21/03/2023
Cape Verde
26/03/2023
Eswatini vs Cape Verde
NB: Dates are subject to change. Venues and starting times still to be confirmed. vs Eswatini