Eswatini frustrate blunt Cape Verde

Eswatini held Cape Verde to a 0-0 draw in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group B match at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia on Friday night.

The draw saw the Blue Sharks remain second on the group standings - two points behind leaders Burkina Faso, as the battle to qualify for next year's Afcon finals in Ivory Coast hots up.

Sihlangu Semnikati also remained third on the group standings - a point behind Cape Verde, and the two teams are scheduled to meet at the Mbombela Stadium in South AFrica on Tuesday.

The Blue Sharks dominated possession with the likes of Ryan Mendes and Bebe looking lively for the hosts who were determined to break the deadlock.

However, the Eswatini defence, which was marshalled by the experienced Siboniso Mamba, stood firm and the first half ended with the two teams locked at 0-0.

It was more of the same in the second half as Cape Verde pushed for the opening goal, but they were frustrated by goalkeeper Ncamiso Dlamini and his defence.

Cape Verde coach Bubista introduced Telmo Arcanjo in the 88th minute as the hosts looked to snatch a late winning goal, but it never came and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

Cape Verde 0

Eswatini 0

Cape Verde: Vozinha, Furtado (Semedo 46'), Lopez, Fernandes, Duarte, Lopes, Monteiro, Fernandes, Mendes (Arcanjo 88'), Bebe, Cuca (Da Cruz 77').

Eswatini: Dlamini, Gamedze, Matsebula, Vilakati, Mamba, Ngwenya, Maziya, Mavuso, Mamba, Ndzinisa, Gamedze.