Eswatini, Botswana meet in second international clash in eight days

Botswana and Eswatini clash in what will be their second encounter in eight days in Saturday’s Total Energy CAF Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) first round, first leg tie set for Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.

Fresh from a Cosafa Senior Men Challenge sojourn in Durban, the two Southern African nations will shift focus to the CHAN 2023 qualifiers with the same cast that met last Friday at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in the Plate Semifinal tie won by Botswana 2-0.

Eswatini left the Eswatini Football Association technical centre situation in Lobamba on Tuesday afternoon by road with quick revenge on their minds a dangerous execution they will probably attempt not with their tails between their legs in intimidation but definitely with caution.

A win over the Zebras in competitive duels has been as rare and almost unseen as a lost ball in tall grass. Still, football being a crazy game by nature, nothing can be ruled out as yet before the 90 as football gods can choose to spin Mosaic water from the rock miracle.

Kunene carried the unchanged pawns but will be hoping for the return of scoring predator Sabelo Sikhali Ndzinisa from injury as they search for their first ever qualification to any continental football showcase, something that has always eluded them.

On statistics, the Zebras dominate the scales, with the last defeat to their nemesis being a 1-4 friendly match in 2014.

Ahead of the COSAFA Cup, Botswana coach Teenage Mpote displayed bravery when he picked a dominantly young team. Gaborone United’s (GU) duo of Gape Thibedi and Omphile Ramoagi were some of the rookies selected by Mpote.

There were other unknowns like Tlamelo Kolagano of Orapa United and Monty Enosa, who turns out for newly promoted Eleven Angels. The leaders in that team were Mothusi Cooper, Lebogang Ditsele, Goitseone Phoko, and Thato Kebue, who all have at least 10 caps.

With CHAN, Mpote is sticking to his young guns after adding Thabang Khuduga of Holy Ghost. He has also added a bit of experience to strike the balance. Lesenya Malapela of Orapa United, Jwaneng Galaxy’s Gape Mohutsiwa, and Thero Setsile of GU make part of the team.

By Munyaradzi Munzabwa

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