Eswatini national football team

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.

2025

Cameroon  v  Eswatini

September 2026 World Cup qualification

Cameroon

3-0

Eswatini

Libya  v  Eswatini

September 2026 World Cup qualification

Libya

2-0

Eswatini

Eswatini  v  Angola

October 2026 World Cup qualification

Eswatini

2-2

Angola

Cape Verde  v  Eswatini

October 2026 World Cup qualification

Cape Verde

3-0

Eswatini

2026

Eritrea  v  Eswatini

25 March 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification preliminary round	Eritrea	2–0	Eswatini	Meknes, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1	Eyob-Abraha 81' Sulieman 90+4'	Report		Stadium: Stade d'Honneur Referee: Moussa Diou (Mauritania)

Eswatini  v  Eritrea

31 March 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification preliminary round	Eswatini	1–2	Eritrea	Lobamba, Eswatini
16:00 UTC+2	Figuareido 90+6'	Report	Sulieman 50', 59'	Stadium: Somhlolo National Stadium Referee: Josefa Aurelio (São Tomé and Príncipe)

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

More information No., Pos. ...

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Xolani Gama	(1999-10-20) 20 October 1999 (age 26)	11	0	Green Mamba
16	1GK	Bongiswa Dlamini	(2001-04-04) 4 April 2001 (age 25)	1	0	Mbabane Swallows
21	1GK	Khanyakwezwe Shabalala	(1993-09-23) 23 September 1993 (age 32)	5	0	Nsingizini Hotspurs
2	2DF	Siphephelo Newman Philiso	(2003-11-11) 11 November 2003 (age 22)	6	0	Mbabane Swallows
3	2DF	Kwakhe Thwala	(2002-04-04) 4 April 2002 (age 24)	38	1	Nsingizini Hotspurs
5	2DF	Thando Langa	(1999-12-25) 25 December 1999 (age 26)	2	0	Mbabane Highlanders
12	2DF	Gift Gamedze	(1999-09-07) 7 September 1999 (age 26)	9	0	Royal Leopard
22	2DF	Simanga Masangane	(1997-05-09) 9 May 1997 (age 29)	10	0	Royal Leopard
4	3MF	Neliswa Senzo Dlamini	(2002-12-28) 28 December 2002 (age 23)	34	0	Nsingizini Hotspurs
6	3MF	Innocent Dlamini	(1998-12-08) 8 December 1998 (age 27)	5	0	Young Buffaloes
7	3MF	Felix Badenhorst	(1989-06-15) 15 June 1989 (age 37)	47	15	Royal Leopard
9	3MF	Philani Mkhontfo	(1995-04-04) 4 April 1995 (age 31)	29	4	Manzini Sea Birds
10	3MF	Banele Sikhondze	(1993-06-28) 28 June 1993 (age 33)	12	0	Tabora United
11	3MF	Andy Junior Magagula	(1995-01-12) 12 January 1995 (age 31)	25	5	Royal Leopard
13	3MF	Mpendulo Lungelo Tfomo	(2000-03-17) 17 March 2000 (age 26)	3	0	Manzini Sea Birdsa
14	3MF	Mzwandile Mabelesa	(1993-04-21) 21 April 1993 (age 33)	41	0	Royal Leopard
23	3MF	Njabulo Ndlovu	(1994-12-29) 29 December 1994 (age 31)	37	1	Green Mamba
24	3MF	Mxolisi Mkhontfo	(1993-03-08) 8 March 1993 (age 33)	21	1	Jwaneng Galaxy
15	4FW	Mayibongwe Mabuza	(1993-08-20) 20 August 1993 (age 32)	2	1	Manzini Sea Birds
17	4FW	Justice Figuareido	(1998-07-28) 28 July 1998 (age 27)	22	1	Richards Bay
18	4FW	Sambulo Simelane	(2001-06-07) 7 June 2001 (age 25)	6	1	Nsingizini Hotspurs
20	4FW	Sabelo Ndzinisa	(1991-07-31) 31 July 1991 (age 34)	77	17	Green Mamba
19	4FW	Fanelo Mamba	(2001-10-29) 29 October 2001 (age 24)	46	6	Young Buffaloes
8	4FW	Siyabonga Mthokozisi Gwebu	(1994-06-30) 30 June 1994 (age 32)	8	0	Manzini Sea Birds

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Recent call-ups

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

More information Pos., Player ...

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Mlamuli Makhanya	(1996-09-23) 23 September 1996 (age 29)	2	0	Royal Leopard	v.  Mauritius, 23 March 2025
GK	Mlungisi Nxumalo	(1997-12-16) 16 December 1997 (age 28)	1	0	Young Buffaloes	v.  Mauritius, 23 March 2025
GK	Mathabela Sandanzwe	(1989-09-09) 9 September 1989 (age 36)	40	0	Mbabane Swallows	v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
GK	Sibusiso Dlamini	(2000-10-10) 10 October 2000 (age 25)	2	0	Nsingizini Hotspurs	2024 COSAFA Cup
GK	Siyabonga Magagula		0	0	Ezulwini United	2024 COSAFA Cup
GK	Ncamiso Dlamini	(1989-10-19) 19 October 1989 (age 36)	17	0	Royal Leopard	v.  Mauritius; 11 June 2024
DF	Lindo Mkhonta	(1991-04-10) 10 April 1991 (age 35)	48	1	ZESCO United	v.  Mauritius, 23 March 2025
DF	Bongi Magagula	(1999-05-20) 20 May 1999 (age 27)	2	0	Mbabane Swallows	v.  Mauritius, 23 March 2025
DF	Mxolisi Manana	(1994-01-31) 31 January 1994 (age 32)	15	0	Green Mamba	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
DF	Sibongakhonkhe Silenge	(2000-03-01) 1 March 2000 (age 26)	12	0	Green Mamba	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
DF	Sibonelo Sibandze	(1997-06-13) 13 June 1997 (age 29)	2	0	Young Buffaloes	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
DF	Vusi Vilakati	(2001-05-07) 7 May 2001 (age 25)	4	0	Mbabane Highlanders	v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
DF	Nkhosingiphile Shongwe	(2001-07-19) 19 July 2001 (age 25)	2	0	Nsingizini Hotspurs	v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
DF	Colani Dlamini	(1999-02-27) 27 February 1999 (age 27)	0	0	Green Mamba	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Siphosethu Mabilisa	(2000-09-19) 19 September 2000 (age 25)	0	0	Mbabane Swallows	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Nkosingiphile Silenge		0	0	Green Mamba	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Sifiso Matse	(1993-05-14) 14 May 1993 (age 33)	51	4	Royal Leopard	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
MF	Siboniso Ngwenya	(1994-05-03) 3 May 1994 (age 32)	20	2	Young Buffaloes	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
MF	Thubelihle Mavuso	(2001-10-06) 6 October 2001 (age 24)	7	0	Nsingizini Hotspurs	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
MF	Sisekelo Matsenjwa	(2002-11-23) 23 November 2002 (age 23)	5	0	Young Buffaloes	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
MF	Sizwe Gwebu		0	0		v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
MF	Leon Manyisa	(1999-06-03) 3 June 1999 (age 27)	9	0	Mbabane Swallows	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Bongiswa Dlamini	(2001-04-04) 4 April 2001 (age 25)	0	0	Young Buffaloes	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Mxolisi Mkhontfo	(1993-08-08) 8 August 1993 (age 32)	19	1	Green Mamba	v.  Mauritius; 11 June 2024
FW	Sandile Gamedze	(1994-12-03) 3 December 1994 (age 31)	42	8	Young Buffaloes	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
FW	Mthunzi Mkhontfo	(1993-12-28) 28 December 1993 (age 32)	33	3	Green Mamba	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
FW	Bongwa Matsebula	(1997-11-27) 27 November 1997 (age 28)	22	3	Young Buffaloes	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
FW	Njabulo Thwala	(1990-02-02) 2 February 1990 (age 36)	8	0	Green Mamba	v.  Mozambique, 14 October 2024
FW	Philane Thabo Mkhontfo	(1995-04-04) 4 April 1995 (age 31)	21	1	Mbabane Highlanders	v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
FW	Ayanda Gadlela	(1998-07-01) 1 July 1998 (age 28)	7	0	Mbabane Swallows	2024 COSAFA Cup
FW	Sizolwethu Shabalala	(1996-08-05) 5 August 1996 (age 29)	7	0	Mbabane Swallows	2024 COSAFA Cup
FW	Sibonginkhosi Dlamini	(1990-11-21) 21 November 1990 (age 35)	0	0	Nsingizini Hotspurs	2024 COSAFA Cup
FW	Wandile Simelane	(1996-10-09) 9 October 1996 (age 29)	0	0	Moneni Pirates	2024 COSAFA Cup

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Most appearances

Top goalscorers

FIFA World Cup

  Winners    Runners-up    Third place  

More information FIFA World Cup record, Qualification record ...

FIFA World Cup record											Qualification record
Year	Host	Round	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pos.	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1930 to 1966		Part of the United Kingdom									Part of the United Kingdom
as Swaziland										as Swaziland
1970 to 1978		Not a FIFA member									Not a FIFA member
1982 to 1990		Did not enter									Did not enter
1994	United States	Did not qualify									2nd	3	1	1	1	1	5
1998	France										—	2	0	0	2	0	3
2002	Japan South Korea										—	2	0	0	2	1	8
2006	Germany										—	2	0	1	1	1	4
2010	South Africa										3rd	4	1	1	2	2	8
2014	Brazil										—	2	0	0	2	2	8
2018	Russia										—	4	2	1	1	8	3
as Eswatini										as Eswatini
2022	Qatar	Did not qualify									—	2	0	1	1	1	2
2026	Canada Mexico United States										6th	10	0	3	7	6	19
2030	Morocco Portugal Spain	To be determined									To be determined
Total		Never qualified	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0/9	31	4	8	19	22	60

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Africa Cup of Nations

  Winners    Runners-up    Third place  

More information Africa Cup of Nations record, Qualification record ...

Africa Cup of Nations record											Qualification record
Year	Host	Round	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pos.	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1957 to 1968		Part of the United Kingdom									Part of the United Kingdom
as Swaziland										as Swaziland
1970 to 1976		Not a CAF member									Not a CAF member
1978 to 1982		Did not enter									Did not enter
1984	Ivory Coast	Withdrew									Withdrew
1986	Egypt	Did not qualify									—	2	0	0	2	1	8
1988	Morocco	Withdrew									Withdrew
1990	Algeria	Did not qualify									—	4	0	3	1	3	5
1992	Senegal										3rd	5	1	2	2	4	9
1994	Tunisia	Did not enter									Did not enter
1996	South Africa	Withdrew									Withdrew
1998	Burkina Faso	Did not enter									Did not enter
2000	Ghana Nigeria	Did not qualify									—	2	0	1	1	2	3
2002	Mali										—	2	1	0	1	3	5
2004	Tunisia										3rd	6	2	2	2	8	12
2006	Egypt										—	2	0	1	1	1	4
2008	Ghana										4th	6	0	3	3	0	7
2010	Angola										3rd	4	1	1	2	2	8
2012	Equatorial Guinea Guinea										4th	6	0	0	6	2	14
2013	South Africa	Withdrew									Withdrew
2015	Equatorial Guinea	Did not qualify									—	2	0	1	1	1	2
2017	Gabon										2nd	6	2	2	2	5	5
as Eswatini										as Eswatini
2019	Egypt	Did not qualify									4th	6	0	1	5	2	14
2021	Cameroon										4th	6	0	2	4	3	13
2023	Ivory Coast										4th	8	2	3	3	8	9
2025	Morocco										4th	8	1	3	4	7	15
2027	Kenya Tanzania Uganda	To be determined									To be determined
Total		Never qualified	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0/16	75	10	25	40	52	133

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COSAFA Cup

  Winners    Runners-up    Third place  

More information COSAFA Cup record, Qualification record ...

COSAFA Cup record											Qualification record
Year	Host	Round	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pos.	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
as Swaziland											as Swaziland
1997		Did not qualify									—	1	0	0	1	0	4
1998											—	1	0	0	1	0	1
1999		Semi-finals	2	0	2	0	2	2	Squad	—	1	1	0	0	3	1
2000		Quarter-finals	1	0	0	1	0	2	Squad	No qualification
2001		Quarter-finals	2	0	1	1	1	2	Squad
2002		Semi-finals	3	2	0	1	5	5	Squad
2003		Quarter-finals	2	1	0	1	2	2	Squad
2004		Quarter-finals	1	0	0	1	0	5	Squad
2005		Group stage	1	0	0	1	0	3	Squad
2006		Group stage	2	1	0	1	2	1	Squad
2007		Group stage	2	1	1	0	1	0	Squad
2008	South Africa	Group stage	3	1	2	0	3	2	Squad
2009	Zimbabwe	Group stage	3	2	0	1	5	2	Squad
2013	Zambia	Group stage	3	0	1	2	0	4	Squad
2015	South Africa	Group stage	3	2	1	0	4	1	Squad
2016	Namibia	Third place	6	3	2	1	9	7	Squad
2017	South Africa	Semi-finals	2	1	0	1	2	2	Squad
2018	South Africa	Quarter-finals	2	0	0	2	0	3	Squad
as Eswatini										as Eswatini
2019	South Africa	Group stage	2	0	2	0	4	4	Squad	No qualification
2021	South Africa	Third place	6	2	3	1	8	6	Squad
2022	South Africa	Quarter-finals	5	2	2	1	7	4	Squad
2023	South Africa	Group stage	3	1	0	2	3	4	Squad
2024	South Africa	Group stage	3	0	2	1	0	1	Squad
2025	South Africa	Group stage	2	0	1	1	2	3	Squad
Total		Third place	59	19	20	20	60	65	—	1/3	3	1	0	2	3	6

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Regional

• COSAFA Cup
  • Third place (2): 2016, 2021