By Siphiwo Dlamini
MBABANE- Eswatini’s national football team, affectionately known as Sihlangu, is gearing up for a high-stakes battle as they kick off their 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup campaign. The opening Group C match against Madagascar is set for Monday, 9 June 2025, at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, promising an intense showdown.
Head coach Zdravko Lugarusic has acknowledged the tough nature of the group draw, which also features regional powerhouse Morocco. “The draw looks difficult but we can’t cry or do anything about it. Our job is to prepare ourselves. We know what we have to do if we want to get good results,” Lugarusic stated confidently. His pragmatic approach shows the team’s focus on preparation and resilience ahead of the tournament.
Group C fixtures highlight a competitive race for semifinal spots. The group opens with Morocco facing Madagascar on Friday, 6 June, at Toyota Stadium. This will set the tone for the battles to come. Following that, Sihlangu will take on Madagascar, a team known for its physicality and tactical discipline. The final group match pits Eswatini against Morocco on Wednesday, 11 June, again at Toyota Stadium, with both teams eager to secure their place in the knockout stages.
- Friday, 06 June 2025
Morocco Madagascar — 15:00, Toyota Stadium
- Monday, 09 June 2025
Madagascar Eswatini — 15:00, Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium
- Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Eswatini Morocco — 15:00, Toyota Stadium.
The COSAFA Cup is a prestigious regional tournament that offers a platform for Southern African nations to showcase their talent and compete for continental glory. For Eswatini, this year’s competition is an opportunity to build on recent progress and make a strong statement on home soil.
Fans and football enthusiasts across Eswatini are rallying behind Sihlangu, hopeful that the team’s hard work and determination will translate into success. With meticulous preparation and a clear game plan, Eswatini aims to defy the odds and advance beyond the group stage.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, where Sihlangu will look to roar loudly in their COSAFA Cup opener against Madagascar.
