EGYPT STRONG ON PAPER – ‘NURO’

EZULWINI – National Under-23s Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane has conceded that their opponents are strong on paper, but he still has confidence in his troops.

Ntibane was speaking ahead of this weekend’s AFCON Qualifier. Eswatini face the ‘Young Pharaohs’ at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off time is 3pm. If Eswatini wins this two-legged clash they will then play the winner between Siera Leone and Zambia. This will be the final match before they could qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Under-23 set for next year in Morocco. The previous winners of the competition, which is held every four years are; Egypt (2019), Nigeria (2015) and Gabon (2011). There will be eight nations which will compete in the 2023 edition. Interestingly, Eswatini is playing the defending champions after beating Botswana to set up a date with the most feared nation in as far as football is concerned.

“We are working on video analysis of Egypt. We’re also working on the mentally readiness of the boys. They are showing a lot of positives at training. This has been a first-of-its find to qualify to this stage; we won’t be carried away that we have reached this stage,” said the former Royal Leopard mentor. He said what was of paramount importance in this match was that they put up a good display and the results would come. “We have told the boys that they must be confident. Egypt can be good on paper but inside the field it will be 11 against 11 players. It will boil down to preparedness. We can match them pound for pound,” he said.

He also highlighted that the win against Botswana helped them boost their confidence and work on doing better for the Sunday encounter. “We are not under pressure. This is a David and Goliath case. They will be under pressure to win while we will just be cautious not to concede but aim for a win. The main thing when you playing at home is to at least win and play a draw away; we are praying for that,” he said. Meanwhile, Captain Kwakhe Thwala said they were geared up for the game.

“We promise the nation that we will go all out there for a win. Playing a league game helped us to gain fitness. We hope we will put up a good display,” Thwala said. He then invited the nation to come in numbers to support the team. Their return leg will be played in Cairo, Egypt, on October 28.

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