Football

Eswatini ...............(0)2

Figuareido 47^th, 54^th

Angola ...................(0)2

Jonathan 69^th, Manuel Afonso 79^th

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

LOBAMBA – Sihlangu threw away a perfect lead to settle for a 2-2 draw against a determined Angola side.

This transpired in a pulsating 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup Qualifier staged at the Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.

A sizable crowd, including several high-profile dignitaries, witnessed the home side squander a two-goal lead from a Justice Figuareido brace in a match of fluctuating fortunes.

The absence of Nsingizini Hotspurs defender Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala was a notable factor in Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane’s selection for the day.

The first half was a tense, scoreless affair, punctuated by moments of missed opportunity and solid defending from both sides.

Early on, talisman Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ broke into the 18-yard box and flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal with less than 10 minutes on the clock, but there was no teammate in position to apply the crucial finish.

Five minutes later, the home side was nearly punished when Angola won a free-kick in a dangerous position just outside the box, following a reckless challenge by defender Nkosingiphile Shongwe.

However, goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya was alert and confidently gathered the resulting shot. Captain Lindo ‘Bhabhalazi’ Mkhonta was also instrumental in clearing the danger around the 18-minute mark as Cristovão Paciencia tried to pressure the Eswatini defence.

Just before the half-hour mark, a shot from  Figuareido was decisively blocked by La Liga outfit Real Oviedo centre-back David Carmo.

Kenyan referee Dickens Nyagrowa signalled for the breather with the two teams locked at 0-0.

Off the pitch, a moment of cheer for the fans saw Mbabane Highlanders superfan Sizwe ‘Mpapane’ Ndlovu win an E2 500 voucher from Build it during the half-time festivities.

Full article available in our publication.

Super fan ‘Mpapane’, among the supporters cheering the national football side at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)