Swaziland have sent out a strong warning to their COSAFA Cup opponents with a 1-0 away win over Kenya in a friendly international at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Friday.

Sihlangu were using the game to warm-up for the southern African championship which gets underway in Polokwane on Sunday, but where Swaziland only enter at the quarter-final stage on June 2.

Wonder Nhleko scored in the final 20 minutes for a morale-boosting triumph as he was set through on goal, before scoring with a low shot.

Felix Bedenhorst had the best chance of the first half, after just 18 minutes, to take a dangerous shot which missed the target.

“Playing away and against a big team like Kenya was very difficult for us and I am satisfied with the single goal. We were lucky to have won, but a draw would have been a more fair result because the game was quite balanced. Otherwise, this has been very good preparation for us as we head to the COSAFA tourney,” said Swaziland coach Anthony Mdluli.

“For the COSAFA Cup we hope we can reach the final and if possible try and win it,” added Nhleko.

Sihlangu will play Lesotho in the quarterfinals on June 2 in Polokwane.