Cameroon will be looking to take one step closer towards securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup when they visit the Mbombela Stadium to face off against Eswatini on Wednesday.
While the away side are currently top of Group D of the qualifiers, the hosts are yet to get themselves up and running after four games, so a win here would do them the world of good.
Match preview
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Cameroon got their World Cup qualification journey off to the perfect start by comprehensively defeating Mauritius 3-0 on November 17, before playing out a 1-1 stalemate against Libya four days later.
Off the back of a disappointing AFCON showing that ended in a round-of-16 exit to Nigeria, the Indomitable Lions resumed their qualifying campaign with a victory over Cape Verde, but they were held to a goalless stalemate by Angola shortly afterwards.
Since last taking to the field on World Cup qualifying duty in June 2024, Cameroon have won five of their subsequent eight matches across all competitions, with their only defeat during that time coming in the most recent outing against the Central African Republic.
Six of the aforementioned eight matches have come en route to securing an AFCON ticket for next year’s continental event in Morocco, where Cameroon will be keen to make amends for their last underwhelming continental display, which led to the dismissal of Rigobert Song.
Just one point clear of Libya and Cape Verde at the summit of their World Cup qualifying group, Marc Brys‘s men will be keen to retain their lead as the qualifying round of matches approaches its midway point.
Thanks to the expansion of football’s biggest tournament to 48 participants, 12 more than the usual 36, Cameroon are aiming to be one of nine teams to book their spot for the 2026 showpiece in North America and extend their record as Africa’s most present side on the grand stage.
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Albeit while remaining competitive in each of the games, Eswatini head into Wednesday’s matchup against Cameroon having been beaten in each of their four World Cup qualifiers, most recently a 2-1 defeat to Mauritius last June.
Mike Gaspard and Lindsay Rose both netted in the first half to leave Sihlangu Semnikati with a mountain to climb, and despite pulling one back through Junior Magagula midway through the second period, they were unable to find a much-needed equaliser.
Three of Eswatini’s four defeats have come via a one-goal margin, often leaving them bemoaning their lack of firepower in attack off the back of just three goals scored across their last 10 AFCON and World Cup qualifying outings.
Currently with a seven-point deficit to make up in the race for second place in Group D, which would still give them a shot at taking part in the 2026 global showpiece, Zdravko Logarusic’s men are set to see their wait for an appearance at a major international tournament go on.
Nonetheless, securing a first competitive victory in just over a year will remain high on the agenda for Eswatini, but the challenge of facing off against Cameroon represents a daunting prospect given the 110-place gap between the teams in the latest FIFA rankings.
Team News
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Dany Namaso and Nathan Ngoumou have both been handed their debut Cameroon call-ups, although it remains to be seen if either will play any part in this one.
Having been initially doubtful to feature due to a calf problem, Napoli midfielder Zambo Anguissa has shaken off a fitness concern and is available for selection here.
Vincent Aboubakar is currently one goal away from 43 international strikes which would see him move level with Roger Milla in second place in the visitors’ all-time scoring charts.
With no fresh suspension or injury concern to report, Eswatini currently have their best chance of getting one over on Tuesday’s opponents, who are unbeaten across the two previous meetings between the teams.
Albeit in a friendly matchup, Sambulo Simelane set his country on their way to a victory last time out, making the forward one to keep a close watch on here.
Eswatini possible starting lineup:
Gama; Gamedze, Mamba, Newman, Langa; Dlamini, Mkhontfo, Magagula; Badenhorst, Mabuza, Figareido
Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Onana; Tolo, Wooh, Dawa, Fai; Ngamaleu, Anguissa, Baleba, Mbeumo; Aboubakar, Magri
We say: Eswatini 1-3 Cameroon
Cameroon boast more than enough quality in their ranks to cruise to a routine victory, and we expect a commanding win for the away side come the end of the 90 minutes.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
