Preview: Mozambique vs Eswatini,Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Group Stage
Soccer News 2024/10/11 07:24
Mozambique go into this AFCON qualifier at the top of Group I with four points from their opening two matches after an unbeaten start to the campaign with a narrow home win over Guinea-Bissau and a draw away to Mali.
The hosts' attack has been relatively productive, scoring three goals in the two games, and they will be keen to build on their positive start as they look to qualify for a second consecutive AFCON, following their appearance in 2023.
Despite their promising start, Mozambique are aware of the tight competition in Group I, with Mali close on points and Guinea-Bissau a point behind, making their upcoming clash with Eswatini crucial.
Mozambique's recent AFCON qualifying form has been promising, with three wins and a draw in their last four matches, with their only defeat coming against perennial powerhouse Senegal in 2023.
Eswatini are desperate for points in this match after a disappointing start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, as they sit bottom of Group I with two defeats in their opening matches and are still searching for their first goal.
New Eswatini coach Zdravko Logarusic will be under pressure to secure his first positive result since taking charge after a narrow defeat to Guinea-Bissau, who also lost 1-0 to Mali in their opening game.
The visitors' qualifying form is a reflection of their wider international struggles, with just one win in their last 10 matches, a 2-1 friendly victory over Niger.
Their inability to pick up points in competitive matches has left them in a precarious position and with tough fixtures ahead, including an away game against group leaders Mozambique, the challenge of reaching their first AFCON looks daunting.
Since his appointment in July, Logarusic has struggled to find a winning formula for Eswatini, but he will be hoping that their recent encounters with Mozambique, against whom they have won two of their last three matches, including a victory in 2021, can provide a much-needed confidence boost.
A major challenge for Eswatini has been their lack of attacking firepower, having failed to score in their first two AFCON qualifiers, and the coach will need different solutions to change that in this game.
Reinildo Mandava will be looking to build on his man of the match performance from the previous game, as his influence in both defence and attack will be crucial for Mozambique in this encounter.
Geny Catamo's ability to create and score from midfield will be a key factor in Mozambique's performance, as his influence could help unlock the Eswatini defence and secure a result.
Sandanezwe Mathabela's performance in goal will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of Eswatini's defence, as his ability to make key saves could have a major impact on his team's chances of securing a positive result.
Justice Figuareido will need to make the most of his opportunities as his finishing will be vital if Eswatini are to pose an attacking threat in this match.
Mozambique possible starting lineup:
Ernani; Domingos, Matola, Mandava, Langa; Catamo, Guima, Nene, Witi; Domingues, Elias
Eswatini possible starting lineup:
Mathabela; Manana, Quiton, Gamedze, Thwala; Dlamini, Tfomo, Matse, Massangane, Matsebula, Figuareido
Prediction:Mozambique 2-0 Eswatini
Mozambique VS Eswatini stream and TV listing
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CAF Africa Cup of Nations
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