英文互译镜像站

Eswatini national football team

Last updated

Eswatini
Nickname Sihlangu Semnikati (King's Shield)
Association Eswatini Football Association (EFA)
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Captain Mthunzi Mkhontfo
Most caps Sabelo Ndzinisa (78)
Top scorerSabelo Ndzinisa (17)
Home stadium Somhlolo National Stadium
FIFA code SWZ
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body eswatini2021h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts eswatini2021h.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks eswatini2021h.png
Kit socks long.svg
First colours
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body eswatini2021a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts eswatini2021a.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks eswatini2021a.png
Kit socks long.svg
Second colours
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body eswatini2021t.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts eswatini2021t.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks eswatini2021t.png
Kit socks long.svg
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 165 Decrease2.svg 6 (1 April 2026) [1]
Highest88 (April–May 2017)
Lowest190 (September–October 2012)
First international
Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg Swaziland 2–0 Malawi  Flag of Malawi.svg
(Swaziland; 1 May 1968)
Biggest win
Flag of Djibouti.svg  Djibouti 0–6 Swaziland  Flag of Eswatini.svg
(Djibouti City, Djibouti; 9 October 2015)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Egypt.svg  Egypt 10–0 Swaziland  Flag of Eswatini.svg
(Alexandria, Egypt; 22 March 2013)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances19 (first in 1997 )
Best resultThird place
(2016, 2021) [2]
Semi-finals
(1999, 2002, 2003)

The Eswatini national football team, nicknamed Sihlangu Semnikati (King's Shield), [3] represents Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, in international football and is controlled by the Eswatini Football Association. It has never qualified for the World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Eswatini's best performance in an international tournament is a third place finish in the 2016 COSAFA Cup.

Contents

On 8 June 2008, they achieved their first win in a World Cup qualifier since 1992, beating 2006 finalists Togo 2–1 on home soil. The team's best recent performance came in 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification where Eswatini finished second in Group L above Guinea and Malawi.

History

Beginnings

The team played its first international match against Malawi, winning 2–0. [4] For the first decade, the national team only played Malawi and Zambia, failing to register a single win from 1969 until 1984, when they beat Lesotho 3–1 in a friendly at home. Following the Lesotho win, Eswatini entered the 1986 African Cup of Nations qualifiers for the first time, losing 1–8 on aggregate to Zimbabwe. The team then entered the 1987 All-Africa Games qualifiers however they lost 2–9 on aggregate against Malawi.

The first time that Eswatini progressed past the first round of a qualifying competition was for the 1990 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, beating Tanzania 3–1 on penalties after drawing the tie 2–2. In the second round they faced Malawi who knocked them out again, 1–3 after two legs. Eswatini next entered the 1990 SADCC Tournament, advancing past the group stage on goal difference ahead of Malawi, before losing to Zimbabwe on penalties (5–3) in the semi-finals following a 4–4 draw after extra-time. In the 1992 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, Eswatini beat Zambia (2–1) during the preliminary group stage but finished in third and failed to progress.

Eswatini entered the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time, but ended up in second place behind Cameroon thereby not advancing to the final round. For the 1998 World Cup first qualification round, Eswatini lost twice to Gabon (0–1 and 0–2) and were eliminated. They failed to make it past the first qualifying round for the inaugural 1997 COSAFA Cup, where they lost 0–4 to Mozambique, and in the 1998 COSAFA Cup where they lost to an own-goal in extra-time against Angola (0–1). Eswatini returned to the 2000 African Cup of Nations qualification matches after missing the previous three tournaments but they fell 2–3 against Madagascar and were eliminated. They managed to qualify for the 1999 COSAFA Cup after beating Mozambique 3–1 in the qualifiers, then beat Zimbabwe in the quarter-finals 4–3 on penalties after drawing 1–1 in regular time, with Bongani Mdluli having scored the equaliser for Eswatini in the 89th minute. In the semi-finals they lost to Namibia on penalties, 2–4.

21st century

Eswatini were eliminated by Angola in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, losing 1–8 on aggregate. They then lost to Kenya in the 2002 African Cup of Nations qualification round 3–5. Their next success in a competition came in the 2002 COSAFA Cup where they qualified ahead of Namibia (2–1) and beat Zimbabwe (2–0) to advance to the semis. There they lost to South Africa (1–4) who would go on to win the tournament. In the 2004 AFCON qualifiers, Eswatini finished third in their group, two points behind Libya and three behind DR Congo therefore missing out on qualification.

In the following tournaments, Eswatini failed to progress past the first qualifying round. They finished bottom of their qualifying groups until 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification where they finished in second on goal-difference ahead of Guinea but were three points off of qualifying, behind Zimbabwe. In the 2018 World Cup qualifying, Eswatini thrashed Djibouti 8–1 over two legs, but were beaten 0–2 by Nigeria to end their hopes of qualification.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2025

2026

25 March 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification preliminary round Eritrea  Flag of Eritrea.svg2–0Flag of Eswatini.svg  Eswatini Meknes, Morocco
17:00  UTC+1 Eyob-Abraha Soccerball shade.svg81'
Sulieman Soccerball shade.svg90+4'
Report Stadium: Stade d'Honneur
Referee: Moussa Diou (Mauritania)
31 March 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification preliminary round Eswatini  Flag of Eswatini.svg1–2Flag of Eritrea.svg  Eritrea Lobamba, Eswatini
16:00  UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Somhlolo National Stadium
Referee: Josefa Aurelio (São Tomé and Príncipe)

Coaches

Caretakers are listed in italics.

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2025 COSAFA Cup to be played 4–15 June 2025. [5]

Caps and goals correct as of 9 June 2025, after the match against Madagascar

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11 GK Xolani Gama (1999-10-20) 20 October 1999 (age 26)110 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba
161 GK Bongiswa Dlamini (2001-04-04) 4 April 2001 (age 25)10 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Swallows
211 GK Khanyakwezwe Shabalala (1993-09-23) 23 September 1993 (age 32)50 Flag of Eswatini.svg Nsingizini Hotspurs

22 DF Siphephelo Newman Philiso (2003-11-11) 11 November 2003 (age 22)60 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Swallows
32 DF Kwakhe Thwala (2002-04-04) 4 April 2002 (age 24)381 Flag of Eswatini.svg Nsingizini Hotspurs
52 DF Thando Langa (1999-12-25) 25 December 1999 (age 26)20 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Highlanders
122 DF Gift Gamedze (1999-09-07) 7 September 1999 (age 26)90 Flag of Eswatini.svg Royal Leopard
222 DF Simanga Masangane (1997-05-09) 9 May 1997 (age 28)100 Flag of Eswatini.svg Royal Leopard

43 MF Neliswa Senzo Dlamini (2002-12-28) 28 December 2002 (age 23)340 Flag of Eswatini.svg Nsingizini Hotspurs
63 MF Innocent Dlamini (1998-12-08) 8 December 1998 (age 27)50 Flag of Eswatini.svg Young Buffaloes
73 MF Felix Badenhorst (1989-06-15) 15 June 1989 (age 36)4715 Flag of Eswatini.svg Royal Leopard
93 MF Philani Mkhontfo (1995-04-04) 4 April 1995 (age 31)294 Flag of Eswatini.svg Manzini Sea Birds
103 MF Banele Sikhondze (1993-06-28) 28 June 1993 (age 32)120 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tabora United
113 MF Andy Junior Magagula (1995-01-12) 12 January 1995 (age 31)255 Flag of Eswatini.svg Royal Leopard
133 MF Mpendulo Lungelo Tfomo (2000-03-17) 17 March 2000 (age 26)30 Flag of Eswatini.svg Manzini Sea Birdsa
143 MF Mzwandile Mabelesa (1993-04-21) 21 April 1993 (age 32)410 Flag of Eswatini.svg Royal Leopard
233 MF Njabulo Ndlovu (1994-12-29) 29 December 1994 (age 31)371 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba
243 MF Mxolisi Mkhontfo (1993-03-08) 8 March 1993 (age 33)211 Flag of Botswana.svg Jwaneng Galaxy

154 FW Mayibongwe Mabuza (1993-08-20) 20 August 1993 (age 32)21 Flag of Eswatini.svg Manzini Sea Birds
174 FW Justice Figuareido (1998-07-28) 28 July 1998 (age 27)221 Flag of South Africa.svg Richards Bay
184 FW Sambulo Simelane (2001-06-07) 7 June 2001 (age 24)61 Flag of Eswatini.svg Nsingizini Hotspurs
204 FW Sabelo Ndzinisa (1991-07-31) 31 July 1991 (age 34)7717 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba
194 FW Fanelo Mamba (2001-10-29) 29 October 2001 (age 24)466 Flag of Eswatini.svg Young Buffaloes
84 FW Siyabonga Mthokozisi Gwebu (1994-06-30) 30 June 1994 (age 31)80 Flag of Eswatini.svg Manzini Sea Birds

Recent call-ups

The following players were called up for Eswatini in the last 12 months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Mlamuli Makhanya (1996-09-23) 23 September 1996 (age 29)20 Flag of Eswatini.svg Royal Leopard v. Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius , 23 March 2025
GK Mlungisi Nxumalo (1997-12-16) 16 December 1997 (age 28)10 Flag of Eswatini.svg Young Buffaloes v. Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius , 23 March 2025
GK Mathabela Sandanzwe (1989-09-09) 9 September 1989 (age 36)400 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Swallows v. Flag of Mali.svg  Mali ; 10 September 2024
GK Sibusiso Dlamini (2000-10-10) 10 October 2000 (age 25)20 Flag of Eswatini.svg Nsingizini Hotspurs 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Siyabonga Magagula 00 Flag of Eswatini.svg Ezulwini United 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Ncamiso Dlamini (1989-10-19) 19 October 1989 (age 36)170 Flag of Eswatini.svg Royal Leopard v. Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius ; 11 June 2024

DF Lindo Mkhonta (1991-04-10) 10 April 1991 (age 34)481 Flag of Zambia.svg ZESCO United v. Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius , 23 March 2025
DF Bongi Magagula (1999-05-20) 20 May 1999 (age 26)20 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Swallows v. Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius , 23 March 2025
DF Mxolisi Manana (1994-01-31) 31 January 1994 (age 32)150 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
DF Sibongakhonkhe Silenge (2000-03-01) 1 March 2000 (age 26)120 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
DF Sibonelo Sibandze (1997-06-13) 13 June 1997 (age 28)20 Flag of Eswatini.svg Young Buffaloes v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
DF Vusi Vilakati (2001-05-07) 7 May 2001 (age 24)40 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Highlanders v. Flag of Mali.svg  Mali ; 10 September 2024
DF Nkhosingiphile Shongwe (2001-07-19) 19 July 2001 (age 24)20 Flag of Eswatini.svg Nsingizini Hotspurs v. Flag of Mali.svg  Mali ; 10 September 2024
DF Colani Dlamini (1999-02-27) 27 February 1999 (age 27)00 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Siphosethu Mabilisa (2000-09-19) 19 September 2000 (age 25)00 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Swallows 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Nkosingiphile Silenge 00 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba 2024 COSAFA Cup

MF Sifiso Matse (1993-05-14) 14 May 1993 (age 32)514 Flag of Eswatini.svg Royal Leopard v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
MF Siboniso Ngwenya (1994-05-03) 3 May 1994 (age 31)202 Flag of Eswatini.svg Young Buffaloes v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
MF Thubelihle Mavuso (2001-10-06) 6 October 2001 (age 24)70 Flag of Eswatini.svg Nsingizini Hotspurs v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
MF Sisekelo Matsenjwa (2002-11-23) 23 November 2002 (age 23)50 Flag of Eswatini.svg Young Buffaloes v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
MF Sizwe Gwebu 00v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
MF Leon Manyisa (1999-06-03) 3 June 1999 (age 26)90 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Swallows 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Bongiswa Dlamini (2001-04-04) 4 April 2001 (age 25)00 Flag of Eswatini.svg Young Buffaloes 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Mxolisi Mkhontfo (1993-08-08) 8 August 1993 (age 32)191 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba v. Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius ; 11 June 2024

FW Sandile Gamedze (1994-12-03) 3 December 1994 (age 31)428 Flag of Eswatini.svg Young Buffaloes v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
FW Mthunzi Mkhontfo (1993-12-28) 28 December 1993 (age 32)333 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
FW Bongwa Matsebula (1997-11-27) 27 November 1997 (age 28)223 Flag of Eswatini.svg Young Buffaloes v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
FW Njabulo Thwala (1990-02-02) 2 February 1990 (age 36)80 Flag of Eswatini.svg Green Mamba v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique , 14 October 2024
FW Philane Thabo Mkhontfo (1995-04-04) 4 April 1995 (age 31)211 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Highlanders v. Flag of Mali.svg  Mali ; 10 September 2024
FW Ayanda Gadlela (1998-07-01) 1 July 1998 (age 27)70 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Swallows 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Sizolwethu Shabalala (1996-08-05) 5 August 1996 (age 29)70 Flag of Eswatini.svg Mbabane Swallows 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Sibonginkhosi Dlamini (1990-11-21) 21 November 1990 (age 35)00 Flag of Eswatini.svg Nsingizini Hotspurs 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Wandile Simelane (1996-10-09) 9 October 1996 (age 29)00 Flag of Eswatini.svg Moneni Pirates 2024 COSAFA Cup

Player records

As of 11 June 2025 [6]
Players in bold are still active with Eswatini.
Most appearances
RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1 Sabelo Ndzinisa 78172012–present
2 Tony Tsabedze 7182003–2018
3 Sifiso Matse 5852017–present
4 Mxolisi Mthethwa 5231998–2010
5 Lindo Mkhonta 4812018–present
Wonder Nhleko 4852001–2018
Felix Badenhorst 48152008–present
8 Fanelo Mamba 4662018–present
9 Machawe Dlamini 4412011–2019
Sandile Gamedze 4482018–present
Top goalscorers
RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 Sabelo Ndzinisa 17780.222012–present
2 Felix Badenhorst 15480.312008–present
3 Mfanzile Dlamini 9350.261998–2009
Siza Dlamini 9390.231997–2010
5 Sandile Gamedze 8440.182018–present
Tony Tsabedze 8710.112003–2018
7 Fanelo Mamba 6460.132018–present
8 Wonder Nhleko 5480.12001–2018
Sifiso Matse 5580.092017–present
10 Sidumo Shongwe 480.52011–2014
Sandile Hlatjwako 4150.272014–2017
Junior Magagula 4240.172019–present
Philani Mkhontfo 4280.142022–present

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

  Winners    Runners-up    Third place  

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
YearHostRoundPldWDLGFGASquadPos.PldWDLGFGA
1930 to 1966 Part of the Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg United KingdomPart of the Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg United Kingdom
as Flag of Eswatini.svg Swazilandas Flag of Eswatini.svg Swaziland
1970 to 1978 Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member
1982 to 1990 Did not enterDid not enter
1994 Flag of the United States.svg United States Did not qualify 2nd 311115
1998 Flag of France.svg France 200203
2002 Flag of Japan.svg Japan
Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea
200218
2006 Flag of Germany.svg Germany 201114
2010 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa 3rd 411228
2014 Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 200228
2018 Flag of Russia.svg Russia 421183
as Flag of Eswatini.svg Eswatinias Flag of Eswatini.svg Eswatini
2022 Flag of Qatar.svg Qatar Did not qualify 201112
2026 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada
Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico
Flag of the United States.svg United States
6th 10037619
2030 Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco
Flag of Portugal (official).svg Portugal
Flag of Spain.svg Spain
To be determinedTo be determined
TotalNever qualified0000000/93148192260

Africa Cup of Nations

  Winners    Runners-up    Third place  

Africa Cup of Nations recordQualification record
YearHostRoundPldWDLGFGASquadPos.PldWDLGFGA
1957 to 1968 Part of the Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg United KingdomPart of the Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg United Kingdom
as Flag of Eswatini.svg Swazilandas Flag of Eswatini.svg Swaziland
1970 to 1976 Not a CAF memberNot a CAF member
1978 to 1982 Did not enterDid not enter
1984 Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg Ivory Coast WithdrewWithdrew
1986 Flag of Egypt.svg Egypt Did not qualify 200218
1988 Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco WithdrewWithdrew
1990 Flag of Algeria.svg Algeria Did not qualify 403135
1992 Flag of Senegal.svg Senegal 3rd 512249
1994 Flag of Tunisia.svg Tunisia Did not enterDid not enter
1996 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa WithdrewWithdrew
1998 Flag of Burkina Faso.svg Burkina Faso Did not enterDid not enter
2000 Flag of Ghana.svg Ghana
Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria
Did not qualify 201123
2002 Flag of Mali.svg Mali 210135
2004 Flag of Tunisia.svg Tunisia 3rd 6222812
2006 Flag of Egypt.svg Egypt 201114
2008 Flag of Ghana.svg Ghana 4th 603307
2010 Flag of Angola.svg Angola 3rd 411228
2012 Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg Equatorial Guinea
Flag of Guinea.svg Guinea
4th 6006214
2013 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa WithdrewWithdrew
2015 Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg Equatorial Guinea Did not qualify 201112
2017 Flag of Gabon.svg Gabon 2nd 622255
as Flag of Eswatini.svg Eswatinias Flag of Eswatini.svg Eswatini
2019 Flag of Egypt.svg Egypt Did not qualify 4th 6015214
2021 Flag of Cameroon.svg Cameroon 4th 6024313
2023 Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg Ivory Coast 4th 823389
2025 Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco 4th 8134715
2027 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya
Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania
Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda
To be determinedTo be determined
TotalNever qualified0000000/167510254052133

COSAFA Cup

  Winners    Runners-up    Third place  

COSAFA Cup recordQualification record
YearHostRoundPldWDLGFGASquadPos.PldWDLGFGA
as Flag of Eswatini.svg Swazilandas Flag of Eswatini.svg Swaziland
1997 Did not qualify 100104
1998 100101
1999 Semi-finals202022 Squad 110031
2000 Quarter-finals100102 Squad No qualification
2001 Quarter-finals201112 Squad
2002 Semi-finals320155 Squad
2003 Quarter-finals210122 Squad
2004 Quarter-finals100105 Squad
2005 Group stage100103 Squad
2006 Group stage210121 Squad
2007 Group stage211010 Squad
2008 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Group stage312032 Squad
2009 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Zimbabwe Group stage320152 Squad
2013 Flag of Zambia.svg Zambia Group stage301204 Squad
2015 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Group stage321041 Squad
2016 Flag of Namibia.svg Namibia Third place632197 Squad
2017 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Semi-finals210122 Squad
2018 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Quarter-finals200203 Squad
as Flag of Eswatini.svg Eswatinias Flag of Eswatini.svg Eswatini
2019 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Group stage202044 Squad No qualification
2021 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Third place623186 Squad
2022 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Quarter-finals522174 Squad
2023 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Group stage310234 Squad
2024 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Group stage302101 Squad
2025 Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa Group stage201123 Squad
TotalThird place5919202060651/3310236

Honours

Regional

References

  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". 1 April 2026. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  2. "Mozambique vs. Eswatini – 18 July 2021 – Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. 18 July 2021. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  3. zana-arts Archived 25 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Courtney, Barrie. "Swaziland (eSwatini) — List of International Matches". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  5. @eswatinifa (8 May 2025). "The Senior Men's National Team (Sihlangu SeMnikati) Head Coach has named a 27- players tentative squad that is scheduled to commence a full-time camp as from 24th May 2025 at the Technical Centre in Lobamba" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 June 2025 via X (formerly Twitter).
  6. "Eswatini". National Football Teams.
主动推送镜像站群 镜像网站程序 蚂蚁镜像站群 泛目录+镜像 整站镜像下载