TOTALENERGIES AFCON 2023 QUALIFIERS PREVIEW: Sihlangu ‘Cape-able’ in sold-out game
MBABANE – It is certainly time to put aside the criticism of Sihlangu Coach Dominic Kunene and his technical bench over their selection.
The squad is already in the island State, Cape Verde after leaving home on Monday morning, they take to the field in a must-win match this evening to enhance their chances of a maiden TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 Finals, billed for Ivory Coast next year. It’s a sold out match as of yesterday by lunch-time. The 15 000 availed tickets were finished. Meanwhile, the Confederation of
TODAY C. VERDE VS ESWATINI AT PELE STADIUM, 6pm
African Football (CAF) shifted its dates due to various reasons as it gradually adjusts back to normality post-COVID-19. The finals of the tournament were due for this year.
Back to Sihlangu, it’s true, the football-loving nation has its concerns about the players called-up as form did not seem to be the main ingredient for the coaches, but they are all emaSwati.
Some of the called-up players include those who are off-form just like their teams have been a shadow of what they were last season but they are there now. It is the omission of the domestic PREVIOUS RESULTS: MTN Premier League leading goal scorer, in Mbabane Swallows Felix Badenhorst, who has 17 goals after 19 matches, Moneni Pirates’ troublesome youngster, Sibonelo Simelane and last year’s second choice goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala of Mbabane Highlanders as well as league leaders Green Mamba midfielder Mxolisi Mkhonto, who could be this season’s Player of the Year, taking over from his teammate Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa who won it with Highlanders.
He has been in blistering form for the Ernest Mavuso-led side. Also out, is South Africa-based international winger Justice Figuareido who plies his trade with Patrice Motsepe Foundation League’s Cape Town All Stars. He was not called up despite this being an official FIFA international break, set to run until March 28.
Unite
Nonetheless, it is now time to unite as a nation and show as much patriotism by rallying behind the squad, they are still capable of doing well. This is amid Cape Verde already having tasted AFCON action and boasting several internationals from abroad, including from one of the world’s most followed leagues, Spain’s LaLiga. Eswatini need a win to take their points tally to four.
Group leaders Burkina Faso have six points as they also engage in their own back-to-back fixtures with basement side Togo, who have one point and also looking to make an impact. Sihlangu still has the second leg next Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa, following CAF and FIFA bans from hosting at the below required international standards Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre.
Cape Verde currently sits on second but Sihlangu can leapfrog them with a win today and then another next Tuesday, to increase their chances. Coach Kunene will also be without Zambia’s ZESCO United international Lindo Mkhonta, as the Sihlangu Captain serves a match suspension, following a red card last time out.
He will be available for selection next Tuesday in the second leg, where Eswatini could even possibly sit at the summit of Group B with back-to-back wins and negative results for Burkina Faso against former Arsenal star Emmanuel Adebayor, who faced Sihlangu twice some years ago, lost at Somhlolo National Stadium before an embarrassing cricket score for the locals away in Togo. Can Sihlangu do it, defy all odds and win these fixtures?
It is up to the players now to fight for the country as they don more than just the national shirt but carry the country’s flag with them.
Stars like Vice Captain ‘Sikhali’, Saviola, elite and Sihlangu debutant forward Njabulo Maziya in the forward line are expected to get the goals, despite a goalless draw in a practice match with Lesotho on Monday afternoon.