World Cup qualifier at the Somhlolo National Stadium in
Lobamba.
The home side saw off Djibouti 8-1 in the previous round and
once more impressed against Nigeria as they came close to
a surprise win.
Harris Bulunga's men created a number of chances to
emerge victorious from the first leg of their second-round
fixture, but Carl Ikeme proved to be too much of an obstacle
between the posts.
Nigeria were first to threaten when Ahmed Musa tried his
luck from 25 yards out after 15 minutes of play, but the
CSKA Moscow star failed to get his opportunistic shot on
target.
Swaziland then looked dangerous via captain Tony
Tsabedze, but Nigeria goalkeeper Ikeme comfortably kept
his shot out.
The visitors came close to opening the scoring in the 27th
minute after a free-kick from Ogenyi Onazi, but Swaziland
keeper Nhlanla Gwebu first kept out the Lazio man’s attempt
before denying Musa from the rebound, with Odion Ighalo
eventually tapping wide from close range at the third
attempt.
Sanele Mkhweli then had a chance for Swaziland after a
good corner from the right, but the 23-year-old headed just
wide from five yards out.
Felix Badenhorst threatened shortly before the interval, yet
the Mbabane Swallows midfielder headed just wide.
Nigeria made a fine start to the second half and should have
gone ahead in the 47th minute. Machawe Dlamini mishit his
clearance, handing Ighalo a clear opportunity to make it 1-0,
only for the Watford man to miss the target.
Mxolisi Lukhele played a quick one-two with Sabelo
Ndzinisa shortly after to open up the Nigeria defence, but he
was unable to trouble Ikeme with his shot.
Rabiu Ibrahim left Gwebu without a chance with a sublime
free-kick in the 58th minute, but the substitute was unlucky
to see his shot hit the crossbar.
Musa could have netted a late winner after dancing past his
marker, but he blasted wide as it remained goalless.
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