swaziland times

MASAFA – West Hlangu’s opponents Guinea-Bissau have unveiled a strong squad for next Thursday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Guinea-Bissau national team head coach Luis Boa Mote yesterday announced their 25-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Swaziland, who will travel to Swaziland for the group stage on September 5. The much-anticipated match marks the continuation of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Guinea-Bissau national team, fondly known as the “Juertus” team, has chosen to face Swaziland at the National Stadium on September 24. Their official social media platforms confirmed the reports yesterday. Morte has a strong squad consisting of 18 European players. Most of the players play in the top leagues of Spain, France and Portugal. Forward Mama Samba Balde, who currently plays for Lyon in the French Ligue 1, tops the list. The coaches will rely on Metz FC player Farley Kand to stop Swaziland’s ball stealer Sabelo “Sikali” Nzinissa in defense.

The visitors will also rely on USL midfielder Jorge Braima Nogueira, who will go up against the likes of Sifiso ‘Ayoba’ Matse and Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala if assistant coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane chooses to use the latter in that position.Additionally, defender Jefferson Encada is the only African player to sign with Egyptian team Pharco. Sihlangu captain Thwala is confident that they can give a good competition to their opponents.“Our training has gone well as they have a strong squad. We hope to cause them some trouble in the game,” he said.

Ntibane had earlier announced the 25-man squad, with experienced goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela returning to the national team after more than two years of absence. He has a young squad that includes the likes of Bongwa ‘Logwaja’ Matsebula, Mthokozisi ‘Junihno’ Gwebu, Philani Mkhontfo and Gift Gamedze. Meanwhile, Sihlangu relies on Richards Bay forward Justice ‘Figa’ Figuareido as the only international player in his squad.The West Hlangu teams last met in the same competition on March 26, 2021, when they lost 1-3, so they will be in revenge mode. Royal Leopards’ experienced striker Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst pulled one back for Swaziland in this match.