Nsingizini eye shocking comeback

Nsingizini Hotspurs will host Zimbabwean side Scottland in the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round at Somhlolo National Stadium in Eswatini.

The Shiselweni‑based club trails 0‑1 after a 1‑0 defeat in Harare, where Neville Tengeg of Scottland scored in the 67th minute. The first‑leg loss leaves Nsingizini with a slender deficit that must be overturned to keep their continental campaign alive.

Coach Mandla Qhogi has said his team will need a more clinical performance in the final third. The MTN Premier League champions, who lifted the Eswatini title last season, will look to use their home advantage to counter Scottland’s defensive solidity and counter‑attack threat.

A 1‑0 victory for Nsingizini would force the tie into a penalty shootout, while a win by two or more goals would send the Eswatini champions through to the next round. The club will be without captain Kingsley Kwayki, who was sent off early in the first leg after a reckless challenge on Namibian international Moses Shidolo.

Qhogi has compared the upcoming match to the 2023 tie in which Nsingizini eliminated Simba Bhora on penalties after a 1‑0 first‑leg defeat. He warned Scottland that the hosts would seek a different outcome this time.

Scottland arrives in Eswatini with the psychological advantage of winning the first encounter and will aim to protect their lead. The Zimbabwean side is expected to remain disciplined defensively while looking to exploit spaces behind the Nsingizini defence on the counter.

Key players for Scottland include Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, Mthokozisi Msebe and Emmanuel Jalai, who impressed in the first leg and will again pose a threat to the Nsingizini defence.

Both teams are expected to field the following line‑ups:

Nsingizini Hotspurs
Sibusiso Dlamini – Sinenkosi ‘China’ Dlamini – Vuyo Macima – Nkosingiphile Shongwe – Mthobisi Zwane – Innocent Pakule – Siyabonga Mkhonto – Bongiswa Dlamini – Njongo Mazibuko – Luyanda Nhlengetfwa – Quality Dlamini
Coach: Mandla Qhogi

Scottland
Chadya – Jalai – Kwakhe – Muduhwa – Moyo – Shidolo – Moffat – Musebe – Mutimbanyoka – Mosana – Billiat
Coach: Norman Mapeza

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.

Scottland’s progress is significant, as Zimbabwean clubs have struggled to advance beyond the preliminary round in recent years. In 2024, Ngezi Platinum were eliminated by DR Congo side AS Maniema Union on penalties after a goalless aggregate. 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 aim to repeat that feat against Scottland, hoping to secure a win without

Article and image source: eswatiniobserver.com