Africa-Press – Eswatini. SIHLANGU legends hope the nation’s pride will turn up for today’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers match and beat Somalia.
This will be the first leg of the preliminary round to be played at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi Stadium in Morocco. The match will start at 6pm (local time).
The second leg will be played next Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa.
Former Mbabane Highlanders midfielder Menzi ‘Flying Ghost’ Sibiya said he expected Sihlangu to easily win against Somalia.
“It’s a must win match for our national team. I trust the players will do everything inside the field of play to get the positive results.
“I know that football is a game of surprises but in the end, I expect Sihlangu to win,” he said. Ex-Sihlangu defender Sifiso ‘Barnes’ Mkhulisi shared the same sentiments in that Sihlangu would easily beat Somalia.
“We have played against Somalia before where we beat them at Mavuso Sports Centre. I am pretty sure Sihlangu will win today’s match.
True, we do not know how much the opponents have improved, but with the players we have in the squad, I believe we will get positive results,” he said.
Undermine
Another former Sihlangu sharp-shooter and Mbabane Swallows physical trainer Siza ‘King Pele’ Dlamini urged the players not to undermine Somalia. “What I know is that we will beat Somalia. We cannot be intimidated by our opponents. With the squad we have, I believe the players will do their best.
“I wish all the best for the country. They should just go for the kill from the first minute,” he said. Meanwhile, Sihlangu head coach Dominic Kunene said this would not be an easy match.
“We will do our best to represent the country well. The players are ready for the match and we hope for the best.” Kunene said the players had been working hard at training and they would definitely get the desired results.
“We are aware that the opponents will try to frustrate us since we are playing away, but we have a plan in place for them.
I am also happy with the spirit among the players. We are ready for Somalia,” he said.
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