Nsingizini lapsed, Leopard poised for group stage – ‘Samora’

By Chris Dlamini

Eswatini outfit Royal Leopard has one hand on the E7 million CAF payout for reaching the group stage – only 90 or so minutes away from the money pot.

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 envoys outdid themselves away in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when they came from behind to draw level with AS Maniema Union on Saturday.

This was the first leg, which now places Leopard at an advantage coming to the second leg at home this Saturday at Somhlolo National Stadium.

However, the same cannot be said about TotalEnergies CAF Champions League representatives Nsingizini Hotspurs. The Shiselweni Region side, amid starting well in the opening half, was ambushed 3-0 at the country’s soccer Mecca.

Among the crowd was Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane, who shared his sentiments after the game.
“The Nsingizini game hasn’t gone as we had wished.

I believe a lapse in concentration was the letdown as the first half was better. Nsingizini managed to match Simba pound for pound but lost it in the second half.

“They showed in the first half that Eswatini has talent and we can do better going forward,” Simelane said.

Asked about Leopard’s chances following their stellar away performance to get a draw and an away goal in DRC.

“That was a big result for Leopard. We can put our hopes on them as they have high chances of reaching the group stage. If you draw 1-1 in DRC, it ceramic gives you the advantage at home, and Leopard has that advantage now.

They can qualify to the group stage,” Simelane said.

He congratulated the police outfit for its away result and wished it well as they prepare to host Maniema at Somhlolo National Stadium this weekend. The game is on Saturday at 3pm. Maniema is expected in the country on Tuesday, October 21.