Eswatini eye strong start against Angola

MBABANE – Eswatini face a tough test against Angola at 3pm today in their opening Group B TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations/COSAFA qualifier at Estádio do Zimpeto.

The match forms part of a busy afternoon in Mozambique, with defending champions South Africa scheduled to face Lesotho earlier on the same pitch, setting the early tone in what is regarded as the toughest of the three groups.

Only the three group winners and the single best runner-up will advance to the semi-finals, meaning every point carries big weight if Eswatini are to keep their hopes of progressing alive. The two finalists from the tournament, which runs until Sunday September 27, will earn qualification for the continental finals in Ghana next year.

Eswatini’s Coach Dominic Kunene, who previously guided the senior national team Sihlangu and enjoyed success with Young Buffaloes, takes charge of a 20-player squad that blends domestic experience with a handful of South Africa-based talents.

Some of the key players expected to influence this match include Phiwayinkhosi Dube and Thando Ntshalintshali, both based in South Africa, alongside Green Mamba striker Bafana Matse, Captain Njabulo Gama from Young Buffaloes, and Celtics midfielder Mangaliso Dlamini.

Kunene will demand an energetic start and clinical finishing if his side are to trouble Angola, who have a long record of producing high-quality young talent and frequent appearances in the latter stages of this regional competition, though they are still seeking a first COSAFA Under-20 title like Eswatini.

Angola are under the guidance of Flávio Amado, the former Angola and Al Ahly striker who is among the most capped players in his country’s history. The Angolan Football Federation has made clear its expectation that the squad represents the nation with distinction, and Amado’s side will arrive as favourites on paper.

Eswatini National Under-20 Fitness Coach, Mthunzi Ginidza and Assistant Coach, Velekhaya Mthethwa. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe) Eswatini will take on Angola today in the Group B Under-20 AFCON/COSAFA Qualifiers. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)

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