Eritrea make a return to qualifying for AFCON after a long absence while Eswatini have been regular attendees. Neither side is particularly strong at the moment, so this is backed to end level.
Key Stats - Neither side in Good Form
- Eritrea have won 2 of their last 5 fixtures.
- Eritrea have scored 4 goals in 5 games.
- Eritrea have conceded 5 goals in 5 matches.
- Eswatini have lost 3 of their last 5 fixtures.
- Eswatini have scored 5 goals in 5 matches.
- Eswatini have conceded 13 goals in 5 games.
Draws All Round
These two have only met twice with both ending in draws.
Eritrea Lack of Game Time
Eritrea have not played much football in recent years, as they have had players defecting to other nations while on international duty.
However, Eritrea contested two international friendlies against Niger A in May 2025, drawing 0-0 and losing 1-0.
The Red Sea Camels have won two of their last five fixtures, including two defeats and one draw. They have scored four goals and conceded five.
Eritrea come into their match against Eswatini as an unknown factor; however, they did beat Kenya 4-1 and narrowly lost to Sudan 1-0 in their most recent competitive matches, although that was in 2019.
Eswatini Struggling for Results
Eswatini had no success in their four FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September and October last year.
They lost 3-0 to Cameroon, 2-0 to Libya, and drew 2-2 with Angola before losing 3-0 to Cape Verde.
Sihlangu Semnikati have lost three of their last five matches, with two draws. They scored five goals and conceded 13.
Eswatini must find a way to improve, as they have failed to win a fixture in their last six outings, which include three defeats and three draws.
Eritrea vs Eswatini Squads
Eritrea: Goalkeepers: Awet Maharena, Kibrom Solomon, Yonathan Sultan
Defenders: Jamal Ali, Nahom Awet, Wedeh Beshaye, Victor Fors, Jonas Idris, Yosief Tsegay
Midfielders: Namrud Embaye, Nahom Girmai Netabay, Medhane Redie, Nahom Tadesse, Tesfaldet Tekie, Ablelom Teklezgyi, Aethan Yohannes
Forwards: Romel Abdu, Filimon Gerezgiher, Awet Alemseghed, Amanuel Benhur, Siem Eyob-Abrha, Oliver Hintsa, Fahmi Ibrahim, Ali Suleiman, Nobel Gebrezgi
Eswatini : Goalkeepers: Mlamuli Makhanya, Qinisio Nyawo
Defenders: Lindo Mkhonta, Kwakhe Thwala, Gift Gamede, Thulane Njingane, Simanga Masangane, Philiso Newman
Midfielders: Mpendulo Thomo, Innocent Dlamini, Junior Magagula, Philani Mkhonto, Bongwa Matsebula, Neliswa Dlamini, Alakhe Mdluli, Innocent Pakule
Forwards: Justice Figareido, Hleliso Gamede, Joseph Kiponge, Malangeni Dlamini