Match Overview
Eswatini and Mozambique are set to face off in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match on Monday at Mbombela Stadium. Eswatini, currently bottom of Group I, is in desperate need of a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, while Mozambique is aiming for a win that could move them closer to securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON.
Match Preview
Eswatini kept their slim hopes of reaching the 2025 AFCON alive with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique last Friday. Despite falling behind to a Stanley Ratifo opener, Thubelihle Mavuso equalized late on to secure a valuable point. This result snapped Eswatini’s three-match losing streak, but they still sit at the bottom of Group I with only one point from three games.
The Sihlangu Semnikati have never qualified for an AFCON tournament, and anything less than a win in this match will extend that wait for another cycle. Eswatini has struggled to find the net recently, going five consecutive games without scoring before last Friday’s draw.
Mozambique, on the other hand, missed an opportunity to take all three points in the reverse fixture, conceding a late equalizer. However, Chiquinho Conde’s side remains well-placed in the group with five points from three matches. They are currently second in the standings, just two points behind leaders Mali and two points ahead of Guinea-Bissau.
Mozambique has enjoyed a strong run of form in 2024, losing only two of their last 15 matches across all competitions. After their group-stage exit in the 2023 AFCON, they are targeting consecutive qualifications for the first time since 1998.
Recent Form
– Eswatini (AFCON Qualifying): Drawn 1-1 vs. Mozambique, Lost 1-0 vs. Guinea-Bissau, Lost 2-0 vs. Mali.
– Mozambique (AFCON Qualifying): Drawn 1-1 vs. Eswatini, Won 2-0 vs. Guinea-Bissau, Drawn 1-1 vs. Mali.
Team News
For Eswatini, Thubelihle Mavuso’s goal as a substitute last Friday may earn him a starting spot in this match. He could replace Sandile Gamedze, who has not scored internationally since July 2022. Meanwhile, coach Zdravko Logarusic is expected to stick with a similar lineup but may tweak the attack in search of more goals.
Mozambique’s Stanley Ratifo will lead the line again, having scored five goals in his last six matches. Pepo Santos, who has been impressive since his debut earlier this year, is set to continue in midfield alongside Amadu. Coach Chiquinho Conde might also look to fine-tune his defense to avoid another late setback.
Possible Lineups
Eswatini:
– Formation: 4-3-3
– Starting XI: Gama; Thwala, Quiton, Mkhonta, Manana; Matsebula, Matsenjwa, Magagula; Mavuso, Figuareido, Mkhontfo
Mozambique:
– Formation: 4-2-3-1
– Starting XI: Ivane; Matola, Nene, Reinildo, Langa; Amadu, Santos; Catamo, Domingues, Gildo; Ratifo
Eswatini have struggled offensively throughout the qualification campaign but showed resilience to score against Mozambique in the previous fixture. However, Mozambique’s consistent form in 2024 suggests they will be difficult to beat. A draw seems the most likely outcome, with both sides likely to be cautious given the stakes.
Final Prediction: Eswatini 1-1 Mozambique
