Mali and Eswatini clashed on matchday 2 of the Afcon 2025 qualifiers, having been drawn in group 1 for the first round of qualification.
Eswatini went into the game off the back of a loss to Guinea-Bissau, while Mali had drawn with Mozambique on matchday 1.
The nature of the encounter at Mbombela Stadium was reflected by the number of supporters in the stadium as a couple of hundred fans (at best) were in attendance. The bulk of the minimal numbers were Mali supporters, though, and not Eswatini’s, who were the home side in this encounter.
Mali took an early lead after captain and Premier League footballer Yves Bissouma slotted a shot past Eswatini goalkeeper Sandanzwe Mathabela. This was set up after a poor goal kick from Mathabela that was quickly won back by Mali before Mamadou Doumbie set up Bissouma’s goal.
The remainder of the match saw little in the way of big chances or interesting football. Mali went on to enjoy 66% of the possession, amassing 21 shots with only eight on target.
Mathabela fared well throughout the game, making seven saves to help keep his side in contention. But with only four shots and none on target, Eswatini posed little threat to the Mali defence.
After two rounds, Eswatini find themselves bottom of group 1, needing a swift change in fortunes if they are to make it through to the next round of Afcon qualification. They will face Mozambique away next on October 11, before the return fixture at home on October 15.
