South Africa vs Eswatini Preview, Prediction, Team News and More

• South Africa will host Eswatini in an international friendly at the FNB Stadium on Friday night
• Hugo Broos does not have the squad he wants but will be demanding a clinical performance
• Bafana Bafana will look to treat the match as part of their preparations for the African Cup of Nations

Bafana Bafana welcomes the King’s Shield to the Calabash with both teams in very different mindsets.

South Africa have never lost to Eswatini and Hugo Broos will not accept anything but victory, and may even appreciate a little shine on the scoreline.

The hosts may see this encounter as a warm-up for bigger tests, but failing to respect their opponents could leave them embarrassed.

South Africa have picked a strong team as circumstances have allowed.

Creative stars Percy Tau and Themba Zwane are out due to a withdrawal for family reasons and injury, respectively.

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The gaps have been filled with able replacements who will be looking to feed Premier League goalscorer Lyle Foster, who has made himself available.

Sihlangu SeMnikati are currently ranked 144 in FIFA’s rankings, sandwiched between Lithuania and Suriname, 79 places below South Africa.

Led by Dominic Kunene, the squad travelling to Johannesburg all ply their trade for clubs based in Eswatini, so they will be relatively unknown, which could work to their advantage.

History can be erased in 90 minutes but Eswatini have never qualified for a continental tournament. They have, however, had some success against fellow Southern African teams in the COSAFA Cup.

The teams last met in the COSAFA Cup in July, with South Africa fielding their characteristically weaker team for the regional tournament.

South Africa won that match 2-1 thanks to two goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa, and should they choose to keep their foot on the gas for the full 90, they could inflict some damage once more.

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However, expect a more measured approach from Bafana as they test out tactics. For Broos, it may be more about the performance than the result.

Broos needing full squad to prepare

Sports Brief recently reported on Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos asking for better communication from clubs.

Broos was left frustrated after several members of the Bafana Bafana squad were rendered unavailable, either through injury or withdrawal.

After this window, Broos will have only two competitive matches before the African Cup of Nations in January.