Eswatini Defeated Lesotho in COSAFA Qualifier
Njabulo Gama scored a late stoppage-time goal to secure a 3-2 victory for Eswatini.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Soccer
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Eswatini secured a 3-2 victory over Lesotho in a COSAFA Under-20 qualifier match at ABB Stadium in Mozambique. The win moves Eswatini to three points in the group standings after Njabulo Gama scored twice.
Why it matters
The result keeps Eswatini in contention as they prepare for a critical match against South Africa. This tournament serves as a pathway for teams aiming to qualify for the 2027 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Eswatini won 3-2, while South Africa currently leads with 6 points after defeating Angola 2-0. Zambia has already qualified for the semi-finals after a 3-0 victory over Comoros in the 12-team competition.
The players
Njabulo Gama
He is an Eswatini youth soccer player who earned Player of the Match honors for scoring two goals.
Eswatini
This is a Southern African national football team participating in the regional Under-20 qualifying tournament.
Lesotho
This is a national football team currently competing in the COSAFA Under-20 qualifying group stages.
The details
Njabulo Gama scored in the 13th and 90+1st minutes to lead Eswatini, while Andiswa Malaza added a goal in the 42nd minute. Lesotho responded with goals from Lekanyane Kalache and Kabelo Tuoane, but could not overcome the late pressure.
Timeline
The match was held on September 21, 2026.
Eswatini will face South Africa on September 23, 2026.
The competition will conclude on September 27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This victory keeps Eswatini in the hunt for a knockout stage berth while positioning South Africa as the group leader. The outcome directly impacts the tournament bracket as teams vie for spots in the upcoming 2027 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Eswatini now holds three points, making their upcoming match against the six-point South African team a must-win for advancement purposes. Lesotho remains at zero points after two matches, effectively ending their path to the semi-finals.
The takeaway
The late goal highlights the intense competitiveness of the group stage where every minute of play affects qualification standings. Fans can track the final group outcomes as teams compete for the remaining semi-final spots through September 27.
Further reading
For more updates on regional youth tournaments, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of Swaziland.
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