AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: Eswatini Register Comfortable Win Over Somalia

Eswatini got their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign off to a winning start as they defeated Somalia 3-0 in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday afternoon.

Mustaf  Yusuuf put Ocean Stars under pressure in the early stages with some poor clearances, but the shot-stopper managed to redeem himself with a couple saves.

Eswatini should have taken the lead in the 15th minute but Sifiso Matse fired straight at Yussuf from six-yards out, after being left un-mark by the Somalia defence.

However, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute as an un-marked Bonginkosi Dlamini sent a powerful shot into the far corner.

Vaselin Jelušic’s charges were solid enough to hold on to their one-goal lead at the halftime break.

The Southern Africans then doubled their advantage in the 65th minute, as Fanelo Mamba broke through on goal and calmly slotted past Mustaf Yuusuf.

Gamedze Sandile managed to get his name on the score-sheet in the 87th minute, as the Young Buffaloes  midfielder sent a powerful volley from close range.

Somalia were far from impressive in the second half, as they struggled to create clear-cut openings in the final third.

The second leg match between the two sides will be played at the Mbombela Stadium in South Africa on Sunday.