Eswatini claimed a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Namibia in a Group A Cosafa Cup clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Brave Warriors looked set to join South Africa at the top of the log on four points when Absalom Limbondi put them ahead, but Sihlangu Semnikati fought back via Sifiso Matse and Bongwa Matsebula to join Botswana on three points – one behind leaders Bafana Bafana, and two points clear of their vanquished opponents.
The match took some time to ignite, but was brought to life in the 34th minute through a brilliant strike from Absalom Limbondi, who scored direct from a free kick to put Namibia into the ascendancy.
Yet the goal sparked Eswatini to life, and they drew level in the 41st minute via Sifiso Matse, who struck a shot from the edge of the box which deflected off a defender and had the beating of Namibia goalkeeper Edward Maova.
And just three minutes later Sihlangu Semnikati claimed the lead, with a long ball out of defence catching Namibia’s defence square and allowing Bongwa Matsebula to run free before providing a crisp finish between Maova’s feet for 2-1.
The first half still had time for Eswatini to swap out injured goalkeeper Ncamiso Dlamini for Mathabela Sandanezwe, while the first chance of the second stanza saw Namibia’s Marcel Papama drive a low effort just wide of the mark.
The Brave Warriors threatened again on 63 minutes when Elmo Kambindu beat Sandanezwe to a cross from the right, but only managed to head over the crossbar, while Eswatini should have added to their lead shortly thereafter, but Neliso Dlamini fired a shot over the target.
Clear chances were few and far between for the remainder of the game, with Eswatini able to slow down proceedings and ultimately claim a deserved and valuable three-point haul.
The teams will wrap up their Group A campaigns on Tuesday 11 July, with South Africa facing Eswatini at Princess Magogo Stadium, at the same time that Botswana and Namibia meet at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Namibia (1) 1 (Limbondi 34’)
Eswatini (2) 2 (Matse 41’, Matsebula 44’)
Namibia: Maova, Kamberipa (Damaseb 27’), Amutenya, Gebhardt, Petrus, Fredericks, Papama (J. Kamatuka 60’), Rudath, Amutenya (E. Kamatuka 60’), Limbondi (Petrus 78’), Kambindu (Bethuel 78’)
Eswatini: Nc. Dlamini (Sandanezwe 45+5’), Msiba (Mkhonta 83’), Mamba, Silenge, Thwala, Ne. Dlamini (Mkhwanazi 83’), Mabelesa, Matse, Mkhontfo, Matsebula, Mkhonto (Mamba 70’)