MX23RW : Wednesday, May 8 00:18:54| >> :600:4203496:4203496:
[monks data]

Preview: Eswatini vs. Mozambique - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's COSAFA Cup clash between Eswatini and Mozambique, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

With both sides now vying for a third-place finish at this year's COSAFA Cup, Eswatini and Mozambique battle it out at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday.

Eswatini were defeated on penalties by Senegal in their semi-final tie, while Mozambique were dumped out by host nation South Africa.


Match preview

Eswatini have been one of the surprise packages of the COSAFA Cup and nearly pulled off another remarkable result as they led Senegal 2-0 at half time when the sides faced off in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

First-half goals from Sabelo Ndzinisa and Sifiso Matse put Dominic Kunene's men in the box seat heading into the break, but Senegal came out fighting in the second period, pulling level through strikes from Pape Massar Djitte and Madicke Kane.

As a result, the contest went into penalties with the Sihlangu Semnikati failing to convert any of their three kicks from 12 yards, which resulted in a straightforward 3-0 victory for Senegal.

Nonetheless, Eswatini have surpassed a lot of expectations and can hold their heads up high after reaching the last four of the tournament for the first time in five years.

After progressing from the group stages by the narrowest of margins, Mozambique saw their COSAFA Cup campaign come to an end following a 3-0 loss to South Africa on Friday.

Horacio Goncalves's men were totally outclassed in an encounter where they fell behind in the first 30 minutes thanks to Njabulo Ngcobo's opener.

Os Mambas were unable to muster a second-half comeback and further went behind just shy of the hour mark as Yusuf Maart was on hand to double his side's lead 13 minutes before Sepana Letsoalo added a third to put the result beyond doubt.

Considering the fact that Mozambique have fallen at the first hurdle in the last three editions of the competition, a semi-final exit in South Africa is a step in the right direction and a sign of more to come.

Eswatini COSAFA Cup form:
  • W
  • L
  • W
  • D
  • L

Eswatini form (all competitions):
  • D
  • W
  • L
  • W
  • D
  • L

Mozambique COSAFA Cup form:
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • W
  • L

Mozambique form (all competitions):
  • L
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • W
  • L



Team News

Eswatini's Fanelo Mamba was sent off for two bookable offences four minutes apart and is suspended for Sunday's match.

In Mamba's absence, Justice Figuareido is set to be recalled back into the starting XI, despite not playing any part in the defeat to Senegal.

Melque Melito was hauled off less than 30 minutes into Mozambique's semi-final exit, making the 24-year-old doubtful for this one.

As he did in the aforementioned game, Estevao Novela will come into the side should Melito be deemed unfit to participate.

Eswatini possible starting lineup:
Diamini; Magagula, Mamba, Mkhwanazi, Msibi; Mabelesa, Khethokuhle, Gamedze; Mamba, Figuareido, Ndzinisa

Mozambique possible starting lineup:
Ernan; Muze, Martinho, Simbane, Cigano; Macaime, Salas, Shaquille; Telinho, Novela, Melito


SM words green background

We say: Eswatini 2-1 Mozambique

Both sides will be hurting from their respective semi-final defeats, but a third-place finish is also a laudable achievement by any standard. Eswatini have made a habit of punching above their weight of late, and we are tipping them to come out on top.


ID:455606:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6904:No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates against Inter Milan on January 10, 2021
Read Next:
Tottenham eye move for Lorenzo Pellegrini?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal36265588286083
2Manchester CityMan City35257387335482
3Liverpool36239481384378
4Aston Villa36207973532067
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs351861169581160
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle351751378562256
7Chelsea351591170591154
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd35166135255-354
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham361310135670-1449
10Bournemouth36139145263-1148
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton351211125357-447
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves36137164960-1146
13Fulham36128165155-444
14Crystal Palace361110154957-843
15Everton36129153849-1137
16Brentford3699185260-836
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3689194563-1829
18Luton TownLuton3668224978-2926
19Burnley3659223974-3524
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd36372635100-6516


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!