South Africa vs Eswatini Predictions - Draws specialists Bafana to take one point

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 30 Jun 2024

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John Eastwood 30 Jun 2024

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South Africa vs. Eswatini predicted to be a score draw (1-1).
Both teams hold two points each; a win is crucial for progression.
South Africa has drawn 8 of their last 9 matches; Eswatini have drawn their last two.

Expired

Eswatini to frustrate Bafana Bafana in another stalemate for the hosts (Getty Images).

South Africa vs Eswatini Predictions

All four sides in Group A are on two points. That means that only a win would secure progression. I see this finishing in a score draw though.
South Africa vs Eswatini Predictions
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Injuries & Team News
Eswatini Form
Eswatini Injuries & Team News

South Africa have seen BTTS Yes in 5 of their last 6 matches.
South Africa have drawn 8 of their last 9 matches.
Eswatini have drawn their last 2 matches.
Eswatini drew their last match vs South Africa.

Head to Head

South Africa hold a 5-0 lead over Eswatini with two draws in seven clashes.

The sides drew 0-0 when they met in a friendly match back in October 2023.

South Africa Form

Bafana Bafana finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations. They beat Congo DR on penalties in the third-place playoff after a 0-0 draw.

South Africa played two friendlies after that, drawing 1-1 against Andorra and 3-3 against Algeria. A 1-1 draw in Nigeria followed in a World Cup Qualifier.

After a 3-1 win at home vs Zimbabwe in the next qualifier, began the COSAFA Cup with a 1-1 draw vs Mozambique. Their last match was a dire 0-0 draw vs Botswana.

South Africa Injuries & Team News

Coach Helman Mkhalele must decide between Lehlohonolo Mojela and Thabang Sibanyoni up front.

Centre back Keanu Cupido could play in midfield. Speedy right winger Devon Titus is at risk of losing his place.

Goalkeepers: Mondli Mpoto, Olwethu Mzimela, Samukelo Xulu

Defenders: Thabang Matuludi, Sirgio Kammies, Keanu Cupido, Thabo Maloisane, Athenkosi Mcaba, Rushwin Dortley, Malebogo Modise

Midfielders: Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Ethan Brooks, Liam Bern, Sinoxolo Kwayiba

Forwards: Antonio Van Wyk, Devon Titus, Jaeden Rhodes, Mfundo Thikazi, Asanele Velebayi, Tshepang Moremi, Ashley Cupido, Yanela Mbuthuma, Thabang Sibanyoni, Lehlohonolo Mojela

Eswatini Form

Eswatini have only won two of their last 21 matches. They beat Somalia 5-2 on aggregate in an AFCON 2025 preliminary qualifying round.

In June, they lost two away World Cup qualifiers: 1-0 vs Angola and 2-1 in Mauritius. A 0-0 draw vs Eswatini began their 2024 COSAFA Cup campaign.

Another 0-0 stalemate followed vs Mozambique in their second match.

Eswatini Injuries & Team News

Sihlangu SeMnikati head coach Sifiso Ntibane could name an unchanged XI for this must-win match.

Captain Kwakhe Thwala will be key in midfield.

Goalkeepers: Dlamini Sibusiso, Gama Xolani, Magagula Siyabonga

Defenders: Dlamini Colani, Gamedze Gift, Ginindza Samkelo, Mabilisa Siphosethu, Manana Mxolisi, Newman Philiso, Shongwe Nkosingiphile, Vilakati Vusi

Midfielders: Dlamini Bongiswa, Dlamini Innocent, Dlamini Neliswa, Magagula Junior, Manyisa Leon, Masangane Simanga, Matsebula Bongwa, Mavuso Thubelihle, Thwala Kwakhe

Forwards: Gadlela Ayanda, Shabalala Sizolwethu, Simelane Sambulo, Dlamini Sinenkhosi