Mozambique and Eswatini are set to face off in a Group I Africa Cup of Nations qualifier this Friday, with the home side looking to solidify their position at the top of the table.
The visitors, meanwhile, find themselves at the bottom of the group with no points after two narrow losses and still searching for their first goal and win under their new manager.
Match preview
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Mozambique enter this AFCON qualifier at the top of Group I with four points from their first two matches, having achieved an unbeaten start to their campaign through a narrow home victory against Guinea-Bissau and an away draw at Mali.
The hosts' attack has been relatively productive, scoring three goals across the two games and they will be eager to build on their positive start as they aim to qualify for their second consecutive AFCON tournament, following their appearance in 2023.
Despite their promising start, Mozambique are aware of the tight competition in Group I, with Mali closely following them on points and Guinea-Bissau just one point behind, making their upcoming clash against Eswatini crucial.
Mozambique's recent AFCON qualifying form has been promising, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches with three victories and one draw, with their only defeat in this campaign occurring against the consistently strong Senegal in 2023.
Eswatini desperately need points in this match following a disappointing start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, as they sit at the bottom of Group I with two defeats in their opening matches and are still searching for their first goal.
Following a narrow loss to Guinea-Bissau, which added to their struggles after also being defeated 1-0 by Mali in their first match, Eswatini's new manager Zdravko Logarusic is under pressure to secure his first positive result since taking charge.
The visitors' qualifying form has been reflective of their broader struggles in recent international matches, as they have only won once in their last 10 games, a 2-1 victory over Niger in a friendly.
Their inability to secure points in competitive fixtures has left them in a precarious position, and with tough fixtures ahead, including this away clash against group leaders Mozambique, the challenge to reach their first-ever AFCON tournament looks steep.
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 the last three matches, including a victory in 2021, can provide a much-needed boost of confidence.
A significant challenge for Eswatini has been their lack of attacking firepower, as they have failed to score in their first two AFCON qualifiers, and the manager will need different solutions to change that in this game.
Team News
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Reinildo Mandava will look 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 clash.
Geny Catamo's ability to contribute from midfield, both in creating and scoring goals, will be a key factor in Mozambique's performance, as his influence could help unlock Eswatini's 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 significantly impact the team's chances of securing a positive result.
Justice Figuareido will need to capitalise on any opportunities that come his way, as his finishing will be vital for Eswatini if they are to pose an offensive 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
We say: Mozambique 2-0 Eswatini
Mozambique have shown solid form in recent AFCON qualifiers, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches, while Eswatini are struggling to find their footing with two consecutive defeats. A straightforward Mozambique win seems the most likely outcome.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
