Eswatini FA basks in Nsingizini Hotspurs and Royal Leopard’s CAF glory

The exploits of Eswatini clubs Nsingizini Hotspurs FC and Royal Leopard FC in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminary rounds have not gone unnoticed.

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has saluted the two teams for flying the kingdom nation’s flag high in the continental competitions.

Hotspurs and Leopard successfully progressed to the next round of their respective CAF interclub competitions preliminary stages over the weekend. Eswatini Premier League champions Hotspurs showed strong character in their maiden Champions League appearance.

The Mbabane-based team overcame fancied Simba Bhora on Sunday. Yet, the scales were tipped in favour of the Zimbabweans, since they went into the second leg with a 1-0 victory from the first leg played in Botswana last week.

However, Hotspurs hit back at the Somhlolo National Stadium in front of their home crowd. They scored in regulation time through defender Nkosingiphile Shongwe. The equalizer took the game into post-match penalties. The hosts eventually carried the day with a 4-2 victory.

Earlier on Friday, Leopard shrugged off Namibia’s Young African FC at the same venue to also advance to the next phase of the Confederation Cup.

The Eswatini cup kings built on their 2-0 first leg victory from the first leg to thrash the Namibians 5-0 in the reverse fixture, and make it to the next round 7-0 on aggregate.

What Royal Leopard and Nsingizini Hotspurs’ success means to Eswatini football

In a statement, EFA acknowledge the teams’ progression to the next round, saying it signals the growth of football in the Southern African country.

“With both Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C. and Royal Leopard F.C. advancing, Eswatini football celebrates not just the victories of two clubs but a collective achievement that highlights the growth and potential of the domestic game,” the statement reads in part.

“Their performances remind us that our teams can stand tall on the African stage, inspiring players, fans, and the nation. Congratulations to both clubs for their historic achievements, and may the journey ahead bring even greater success!.”

Leopard will now date AS Maniema Union in the final qualifying round of the Confederation Cup. In the other camp, the Eswatini league kings will now date Simba SC from Tanzania in the next round of the continental league.