Africa-Press – Eswatini. Sihlangu Caretaker Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane has announced a 23-member provisional squad to take on Eritrea for the 2027 preliminary round qualifiers.
The former U20 national team coach announced the squad to the media on February 10, 2026 at Sigwaca House.
Ntibane pointed out that the provisional squad excluded international players for the time being and they would be called to join the rest of the team for full-time camp towards the next FIFA week when the game is about be played.
He thanked the local football mother body, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) and government for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the team to the preliminary round qualifiers.
“We have developed a weekly training programme in preparation of this crucial match as Eritrea must not be underestimated,” he said.
The coach said the training schedule is designed to cater for ongoing competitions such as the Ingwenyama Cup.
The coach indicated further that the technical bench blended new talent with experienced players to maintain balance.
Meanwhile, CAF has conducted the draw for the Preliminary Round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers, pairing Eswatini’s national team, Sihlangu SeMnikati, against Eritrea in a two-legged tie.
According to the draw procedures, Eritrea, being the lower-ranked team, will host the first leg of the matchup. Eswatini will then welcome Eritrea for the return fixture at home. The aggregate winners of this tie will progress to join the 42 highest-ranked nations in the Group Stage, as they aim for a spot in the finals, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Eritrea has been absent from AFCON qualifying since 2008 and has withdrawn from recent tournaments, including the 2023 AFCON and the 2026 World Cup preliminaries. This lack of competitive play has left them with limited recent exposure in official matches, with their last games occurring during the 2019 World Cup preliminaries against Namibia.
The qualifiers are scheduled to take place from March 25 to March 30, 2026.
Sihlangu Provisional Squad:
Name of Player Name of Club
GOALKEEPERS
1. Mlamuli Makhanya Royal Leopard
2. Khanyakwezwe Shabalala Nsingizini Hotspurs
3. Ciniso Nyawo Moneni Pirates
4. Siyabonga Magagula Ezulwini United
DEFENDERS
1. Gift Gamedze Royal Leopard
2. Simanga Masangane Royal Leopard
3. Nkosingphile Shongwe Nsingizini Hotspurs
4. Newman Philiso Mbabane Swallows
5. Siphosethu Mabilisa Young Buffaloes
6. Mpendulo Simelane Ezulwini United
MIDDLE FIELDERS
1. Innocent Dlamini Young Buffaloes
2. Mpendulo Tfomo Manzini Sea Birds
3. Innocent Pakula Moneni Pirates
4. Thubelihle Mavuso Nsingizini Hotspurs
5. Philani Mkhontfo Manzini Sea Birds
6. Bongwa Matsebula Young Buffaloes
7. Siyabonga Mkhontfo Mbabane Highlanders
8. Sizwe Khumalo Nsingizini Hotspurs
9. Junior Magagula Royal Leopard
STRIKERS
1. Joseph Kibonge Manzini Sea Birds
2. Hleliso Gamedze Royal Leopard
3. Malangeni Dlamini Tabankulu Celtics
4. Njongo Mazibuko Mbabane Swallows
