BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach, Sifiso Ntibane, has confirmed the final squad set to travel to Morocco for the TotalEnergies AFCON Preliminary Round qualifier against Eritrea.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 14:00 GMT, with the Eswatini Football Association expressing confidence in a balanced and competitive squad.
The final team includes three players competing in the Betway Premiership, highlighting the growing international presence of Eswatini talent. These are experienced forward Justice Figareido, versatile midfielder Alakhe Mdluli, and defender Thulani Njingane.
The squad is further strengthened by four additional international-based players, including Sihlangu captain Lindo Mkhonta, along with Kwakhe Thwala, Philiso Newman, and Neliswa Dlamini. Their inclusion brings valuable experience and depth to the team ahead of the crucial encounter.
In shaping the final squad, the technical team made several changes from the provisional list, reflecting a focus on form, balance, and tactical readiness.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers
- Mlamuli Makhanya (Royal Leopard)
- Qiniso Nyawo (Moneni Pirates)
Defenders
- Lindo Mkhonta (Zesco United, Zambia)
- Kwakhe Thwala (Scottland FC, Zimbabwe)
- Gift Gamedze (Royal Leopard)
- Thulani Njingane (Orbit College, South Africa)
- Simanga Masangane (Royal Leopard)
- Philiso Newman (Agama FC, Zimbabwe)
Midfielders
- Mpendulo Thomo (M. Sea Birds)
- Innocent Dlamini (Young Buffaloes)
- Junior Magagula (Royal Leopard)
- Philani Mkhonto (M. Sea Birds)
- Bongwa Matsebula (Young Buffaloes)
- Neliswa Dlamini (Hardrock FC, Zimbabwe)
- Alakhe Mdluli (Amazulu FC, South Africa)
- Innocent Pakule (Moneni Pirates)
Strikers
- Justice Figareido (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Hleliso Gamedze (Royal Leopard)
- Joseph Kiponge (M. Sea Birds)
- Malangeni Dlamini (Tabankulu Celtics)
With a strong blend of local and international talent, Sihlangu will be aiming to deliver a confident performance as they pursue qualification and continue to raise the profile of Eswatini football on the continental stage.
(Courtesy Pic)
