AFCON Eswatini coach releases 26-member squad for 2023 AFCON qualifiers

Eswatini coach Dominic Kunene has released a 26-member squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Kunena has summoned the players for camp training ahead of the qualifying matches against Togo and Burkina Faso on June 3 and 7. The group also comprises Cape Verde.

Royal Leopard, who did well in the CAF Confederation Cup, have dominated the call-up after contributing seven players.

Speaking after the AFCON group stage draw, Kunene said he was bracing up for a rough ride on the road to the final scheduled for Ivory Coast.

“This is a tough group when you consider the history of the opponents. All Eswatini opponents have competed in this competition’s previous finals,” he said.

Eswatini have never qualified for the AFCON finals. With the landscape of continental football changing, they should fancy their chances of doing it.

Afterall, Royal Leopard also defied odds to reach far in the Confederation Cup before they were booted out by Orlando Pirates.

Eswatini squad:

GOALKEEPERS

Sandanezwe Mathabela (Mbabane Swallows FC), Khanyakwezwe Shabalala (Mbabane Highlanders FC), Phephisani Msibi (Royal Leopard FC)

DEFENDERS

Mlamuli Msibi (Royal Leopard FC), Sikhumbuzo Magagula (Royal Leopard FC), Machawe Dlamini (Royal Leopard FC), Lindo Mkhonta (Young Buffaloes FC), Sihlangu Mkhwanazi (Young Buffaloes FC), Siboniso Mamba (Young Buffaloes FC), Kwakhe Tfwala (Young Buffaloes FC), Peter Dlamini (Mbabane Highlanders FC)

MIDFIELDERS

Mzwandile Mabelesa (Royal Leopard FC), Sifiso Matse (Royal Leopard FC), Junior Magagula (Royal Leopard FC), Siboniso Ngwenya (Young Buffaloes FC), Khetho Mkhontfo (Green Mamba FC), Leon Manyisa (Mbabane Swallows FC), Philani Mkhontfo (Mbabane Highlanders FC), Neliso Dlamini (Manzini Wanderers FC)

STRIKERS

Sandile Gamedze (Young Buffaloes FC), Fanelo Mamba (Young Buffaloes FC), Muzi Tsabedze (Manzini Sea Birds FC), Sabelo Ndzinisa (Mbabane Highlanders FC), Justice Figareido (Cape Town All Stars FC), Bonginkosi Dlamini (G.D. Sagrada Esperanca FC)


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