Eswatini look to build on past strong showings

The TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 | COSAFA Qualifiers will be staged in Harare, Zimbabwe from September 11-20 with 12 teams hoping to reach the continental finals that are to be held next year.

It will be fascinating to see which sides emerge to not only take the crown, but also advance with the chance of becoming African champions.

The fifth part of our team profiles looks at Eswatini who have generally fared well in the regional competition down the years.

ESWATINI
Last five tournament finishes:
2019 – Fourth
2020 – Disqualified
2021 – Fourth
2022 – Did not enter
2024 – Group Stages

Eswatini have showed plenty of potential at this level in the recent past, but also faced some bitter disappointment.

They have managed to reach the semifinals and finish fourth twice in the last five competitions played, which is a very good return.

But mixed in there is a disqualification for not meeting eligibility requirements in 2020 and the fact they did not enter at all in 2022.

They returned in 2024 and exited in the pool stages with three losses, so will want to improve on that record this time round.

They got to the semis in 2019 as they came through a tough pool that also involved Zambia, Malawi and South Africa, an excellent achievement. They were edged 1-0 by Mozambique in the semifinals and lost to Angola in the bronze medal game.

They were back in the semifinals in 2021 but again lost to Angola, and then to Malawi in the battle for bronze.

The team’s best place finish was runner-up in 2002, while they also finished fourth the year before that.

In all they have been strong contenders and not a team to be easily dismissed.

Eswatini reached the continental finals once before in 2003 when they lost all three games and went out in the pool stages.

But they will be desperate to return there this year and show the improving quality of junior football in the country.