Lobamba – Eswatini team, Sihlangu, let a big chance slip away yesterday, giving up a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Angola in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Somhlolo National Stadium. The disappointing late collapse crushed hopes for a first-ever win in the qualifiers and keeps Eswatini at the bottom of Group D.
The game started slowly, with the first half ending 0-0. Both teams were careful. Eswatini’s goalkeeper, Mlamuli Makhanya, was sharp, making good saves. Early on, Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ missed a chance, and Angola later hit the post, showing how tight the match was.
Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane made smart changes at halftime, bringing on Innocent Dlamini, Neliswa Dlamini, and Mxolisi Manana. These moves paid off fast.
Just two minutes after the break, Justice Figuareido scored a brilliant goal from close range. Then, only eight minutes later, Figuareido struck again for his second goal after a nice pass from Captain Lindo Mkhonta. The crowd went wild as Sihlangu took a comfortable 2-0 lead.
But the lead didn’t last. Angola, coached by Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle, pushed back hard. They got their first goal in the 69th minute with a header from Vice Captain Jonathan Buato. Eswatini’s defense slowed down for a moment, thinking the player was offside.
Things got worse for Sihlangu when midfielder Mxolisi Mkhonto had to leave the game in the 73rd minute because of an injury.
This hurt the team, and Angola’s substitute Manuel Afonso brought the score level in the 79th minute, heading in from a corner kick. Despite trying hard to score again, Sihlangu couldn’t find a late winner at home.
The 2-2 draw means Eswatini still hasn’t won a game in the qualifiers and sits at the bottom of Group D with three points. Their final qualifying match is on Monday against the group leaders, Cape Verde. The race for the top spot is close, as only the group winner gets to go straight to the FIFA World Cup.
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