Eswatini U-23s plan Algeria shock in AFCON qualifier

LOBAMBA – National Under-23 Head Coach Friday Myeni insists Eswatini have decoded North African giants Algeria ahead of Wednesday’s total continental qualifier at Somhlolo National Stadium.

Speaking during Tuesday’s matchday pre-match press briefing ahead of the TotalEnergies U-23 Africa Cup of Nations second-round clash, Myeni warned that his charges were ready to deploy the lethal tactical blueprint that previously eliminated Malawi.

Eswatini reached this stage after edging Malawi 2–1 on aggregate in the preliminary round, securing a crucial 1–0 first-leg victory before battling to a 1–1 draw in the return fixture. The technical team has since built on that foundation by studying footage of Algeria’s international friendly match against South Africa’s Amagluglug.

“We will apply counter-attacking tactics, which worked so effectively against Malawi. What remains now is simply fine-tuning our execution,” declared the Manzini Sea Birds tactician.

Despite several squad members sitting their end-of-year examinations during camp, Myeni stressed that facing one of African football’s heavyweights serves as ultimate motivation for the young squad, noting that self-belief within the group is at an all-time high.

In preparation for the continental fixture, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) partnered with UNICEF to conduct a specialised mental empowerment session at the Lobamba Technical Centre, equipping the players for the pressure of continental football.

Meanwhile, the Algerian delegation landed at King Mswati III International Airport on Tuesday morning ahead of Wednesday’s 4pm kick off.

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