Eswatini vs Tanzania
Toyota Stadium, 3pm
It is a do-or-die for Sihlangu Semnikati as they battle it out with guest nation Tanzania in Group C this afternoon at Toyota Stadium.
The two nations are expected to come firing from all cylinders as they fight for pride, passion, and qualification.
Eswatini go to this crucial match coming from a 1-1 draw against Madagascar on Monday, thanks to a wonderful free kick from attacking midfielder Junior Magagula in the second half.
The nation’s pride is under pressure to deliver, knowing very well that should they fail to win this afternoon, they will be out of the competition.
But history favours the local side given the two sides’ past meetings in 2015 whereby Eswatini secured a 1-0 victory in the same competition.
Sihlangu will be also looking to end the 24-year bad luck in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup as they have been participating in the competition since its inception in 1997 but have been perennial underachievers.
Former Sihlangu Semnikati coach Ernest Mavuso believes the nation’s pride can make it this time around.
“Yes, we have the best opportunities to reach the finals this time around or even win it. We have also picked the right players who are ready to deliver,” he said.
Former Tambuti FC gaffer Mlamuli ‘Sputla’ Zwane also believes in the current squad.
“This is a balanced squad with a good mix of experienced and new players. I believe they have what it takes and can go all the way to the finals,” he said.
On the other hand, the Taifa Stars, as Tanzania are fondly known, will be making their fifth appearance in the competition after they were confirmed as the guest nation at the eleventh hour following the withdrawal of Morocco.
Ahead of the clash, Tanzania held Bafana Bafana to a goalless draw in an international friendly.
They boast of Kaizer Chiefs target Feisal Salum and Pascal Gaudence, who can be deadly in front of goal.
