Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s senior national football team, Sihlangu SeMnikati, has departed the country for two crucial World Cup Qualifier fixtures against continental heavyweights Cameroon and Libya.
The squad left on Monday (1 September 2025) from the Technical Centre in Lobamba, where they were given a warm send-off by Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter Samora Simelane, Chief Executive Officer Frederick Mngomezulu, and other football administrators.
Fixtures Against Cameroon and Libya
Sihlangu will open their September campaign against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions this Thursday (4 September 2025) at the Complexe Sportif Japoma in Douala. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT. Four days later, on Monday (8 September 2025), they will take on Libya’s Mediterranean Knights at the International Stadium in Benghazi, also kicking off at 19:00 GMT.
Mixed Fortunes in Previous Encounters
Eswatini’s most recent meeting with Cameroon in March 2025 ended in a hard-fought 0–0 draw at Mbombela Stadium, a result that gave the national team confidence against one of Africa’s football giants and five-time Africa Cup of Nations champions.
However, Libya has proved more challenging. In their last encounter on 17 November 2023, Sihlangu fell 0–1 to the North Africans, again at Mbombela Stadium. Coach and players will be determined to overturn that result when they meet in Benghazi.
Tough Group D Challenge
Sihlangu are competing in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, alongside Cameroon, Libya, Mauritius, Angola, and Cape Verde. With only two points collected from six matches, Eswatini currently sits at the bottom of the table and faces a steep uphill task if they are to improve their standing.
Despite the odds, the team remains motivated, buoyed by the encouragement of the nation and the leadership of the EFA. Supporters will be hoping the team can replicate the resilience shown against Cameroon earlier this year and perhaps cause an upset.
Travelling players
Simanga Masangane – Royal Leopards FC
Mzwandile Mabelesa – Royal Leopards
Junior Magagula – Royal Leopards
Gift Gamedze – Royal Leopards
Ayanda Kunene – Royal Leopards
Mlamuli Makhanya – Royal Leopards
Bongwa Matsebula – Young Buffaloes
Innocent Dlamini – Young Buffaloes
Siphosethu Mabilisa – Young Buffaloes
Mxolisi Manana – Green Mamba
Newman Philiso – Mbabane Swallows
Nkosingphile Shongwe – Nsingizini Hotspurs
Khanyakwezwe Shabalala – Nsingizini Hotspurs
Kwakhe Tfwala – Nsingizini Hotspurs
Neliswa Dlamini – Nsingizini Hotspurs
Thubelihle Mavuso – Nsingizini Hotspurs
Mayibongwe Mabuza – Manzini Sea Birds
Philani Mkhontfo – Manzini Sea Birds
Joseph Gibonga – Manzini Sea Birds
Mthobisi Zwane – Moneni Pirates
Justice Figareido – Chippa United
Alakhe Mdluli – Amazulu FC
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