Nsingizini eye shocking comeback

Nsingizini Hotspurs vs Scottland
Somhlolo National Stadium, 3pm

SOCCER – Nsingizini Hotspurs will be aiming to overturn a slender first-leg deficit when they host Zimbabwean side Scottland in the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round at Somhlolo National Stadium this afternoon.

The Shiselweni-based outfit trail 0-1 following their defeat in Harare and know they must score to keep their continental campaign alive.

Scottland secured the advantage in the first leg through Cameroon forward Neville Tengeg, who struck in the 67th minute after a nervy opening half.

Nsingizini will now look to home advantage to turn the tie around, with coach Mandla Qhogi expected to demand a more clinical performance from his players in the final third.

The treble champions, who lifted the MTN Premier League title last season, will have to make their attacking quality count against a Scottland side that is likely to defend its lead and look for opportunities on the counter-attack.

A 1-0 victory for Nsingizini would force the tie into a penalty shootout, while a victory by two or more goals would send the Eswatini champions through to the next round.

However, Nsingizini will have to cope without captain Kingsley Kwayki, who was sent off early in the first leg following a reckless challenge on Namibian international Moses Shidolo.

Despite the setback, Qhogi remains confident that his charges can produce a different result on home soil.

The coach challenged Scottland to expect a similar experience to that of Simba Bhora last season, when Nsingizini recovered from a first-leg defeat away from home to eliminate the Zimbabwean side on penalties.

“They will find a different story,” Qhogi warned.

Scottland, meanwhile, arrive in Eswatini with the psychological advantage of having won the first encounter and will be determined to protect their lead.

The Zimbabweans are expected to remain disciplined defensively while looking to exploit spaces behind the Nsingizini defence on the counter.

For Nsingizini, the timing of the first goal could prove crucial. An early breakthrough would settle the hosts and put pressure on Scottland, while a prolonged wait for the equaliser could increase the tension inside the stadium.

Scottland’s experienced attacking players, including Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, Mthokozisi Msebe and Emmanuel Jalai, impressed in the first leg and will again pose a threat to the Nsingizini defence.

With a passionate home crowd expected at Somhlolo, Nsingizini will be hoping to turn the stadium into a fortress and produce the comeback required to keep Eswatini’s continental hopes alive.

The aggregate winner will advance to face Tanzanian giants Simba SC in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, with the first and second legs scheduled for October 16–18 and October 23–25 respectively.

The tie also carries significance for Scottland, with Zimbabwean clubs having struggled to progress beyond the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League in recent years.

In 2024, Ngezi Platinum were eliminated by DR Congo side AS Maniema Union on penalties after the two legs ended goalless.

A year later, Simba Bhora suffered a similar fate when Nsingizini eliminated them on penalties after the Zimbabweans won the first leg 1-0 before losing the return match.

Nsingizini will now be hoping to repeat that feat against Scottland – but this time without the need to leave the outcome to penalties.

NSINGIZINI POSSIBLE STARTING LINE-UP

1. Sibusiso Dlamini

2. Sinenkosi ‘China’ Dlamini

3. Vuyo Macima

4. Nkosingiphile Shongwe

5. Mthobisi Zwane

6. Innocent Pakule

7. Siyabonga Mkhonto

8. Bongiswa Dlamini

9. Njongo Mazibuko

10. Luyanda Nhlengetfwa

11. Quality Dlamini

Coach: Mandla Qhogi

SCOTTLAND POSSIBLE STARTING LINE-UP

1. Chadya

2. Jalai

3. Kwakhe

4. Muduhwa

5. Moyo

6. Shidolo

7. Moffat

8. Musebe

9. Mutimbanyoka

10. Mosana

11. Billiat

Coach: Norman Mapeza