Eswatini U-15s advance to classification matches
The junior squad will play classification matches to determine their final global standing in the tournament.
Eswatini’s Under-15 national football team secured a place in the tournament’s final placement matches after a 3-0 victory over the Maldives and a subsequent 2-1 loss to Palestine. Samkelo Tsabedze, Mnotfo Simelane, and Junior Shabangu scored in the win against the Maldives. The team competed in the 8-a-side developmental format in Azerbaijan.
Despite the loss to Palestine, Eswatini will continue playing in classification matches as no teams are eliminated early from the FIFA tournament model. The squad will play against other Round of 16 eliminated teams to determine their final global ranking. Their next match is a semi-final against The Gambia on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
This classification semi-final will help sort teams within the 145th to 160th ranking zone. The global festival concludes on November 1, 2026, at the Hovsan Competition Complex and Baku Crystal Hall. Eswatini's next match kicks off at 10:45 am Eswatini time.
Why it mattersEswatini's Under-15 football team is competing in an international tournament in Azerbaijan and will play classification matches to determine their final global standing.