Eswatini U23 vs Malawi U23 - CAF U23 Cup of Nations

Eswatini U23 prepare to host Malawi U23 at the home ground on October 6, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their CAF U23 Cup of Nations season. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when Eswatini U23 and Malawi U23 cross paths in the CAF U23 Cup of Nations, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. Eswatini U23 will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. That was the 3-2 loss to Manchester United in January of this year, which ended a 121-match run without letting in three goals.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Eswatini U23 and Malawi U23 have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Few of Bouaddi's age possess such a rare blend of physicality off the ball, and poise and balance in possession.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Bournemouth striker Junior Kroupi is another player of interest; however, his injury may have put even further difficulty in the way of any deal being concluded.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.