Rangers FC vs Highlanders
AP Sports Preview
MBABANE, Eswatini (Interstat) — A clash of contrasting form awaits Sunday when Rangers FC hosts Highlanders at a venue to be announced in a Premier League of Eswatini matchup that pits a streaking visitor against a home side desperate to halt a slide.
Highlanders enter the May 24 contest riding a wave of momentum. The visitors, who last suffered a league defeat on Feb. 14, have not lost in 10 consecutive matches. Their most recent outing was a 1-0 victory over Mbabane Swallows on May 17. The defensive unit has been particularly stingy, posting six clean sheets in that stretch, including a 0-0 draw with Green Mamba on March 7 and another scoreless stalemate against Manzini Wanderers on March 1.
Offensively, Highlanders have shown the ability to erupt, most notably in a 5-2 thrashing of Royal Leopards on April 22. A 4-0 demolition of Sisonkhe FC on March 15 and a 2-0 win over Ubombo Sugar FC on May 1 further underscore the team’s balanced attack.
Rangers FC, by contrast, is searching for traction. The home side has managed just one victory in their last 10 outings — a 1-0 decision over Sisonkhe FC on April 4. That solitary win is bookended by a 1-0 loss to Nsingizini Hotspurs on May 16 and a 1-0 defeat to Malanti Chiefs on April 29.
The offensive struggles have been pronounced. Rangers have been shut out seven times during that 10-game span, managing only three goals total. A 3-2 victory over Young Buffaloes on Feb. 28 remains a rare bright spot. The defense forced three draws in that stretch, including a 0-0 result against Amawele FC on Feb. 7 and a 2-2 tie with Ubombo Sugar FC on April 22.
The head-to-head history favors Rangers, who claimed a 1-0 victory in the most recent meeting on Nov. 30, 2025.
According to an Interstat game simulator, Sunday’s contest projects to a 1-1 draw.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. local time.