World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage

Mar 19, 2025 at 4pm UK

Mbombela Stadium

Eswatini vs Cameroon

Match preview

Cameroon got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to the perfect start with a 3-0 win over Mauritius on 17 November, before holding Libya to a 1-1 draw four days later.

After a disappointing AFCON campaign that ended with a last-16 exit at the hands of Nigeria, the Indomitable Lions resumed their qualifying campaign with a win over Cape Verde, only to be held to a goalless stalemate by Angola.

Since their last appearance in the 2024 World Cup qualifiers in June, Cameroon have won five of their last eight matches in all competitions, with their only defeat coming against Central African Republic.

Six of those eight games have come in pursuit of an AFCON ticket for next year's continental showpiece in Morocco, where Cameroon will be keen to make amends for their last underwhelming continental performance, which led to the sacking of Rigobert Song.

Marc Brys' men sit just one point clear of Libya and Cape Verde at the top of their World Cup qualifying group and will be keen to maintain their lead as the qualifying campaign reaches its midway point.

Thanks to the expansion of the world's showpiece tournament to 48 participants, 12 more than the usual 36, Cameroon are aiming to become one of the nine teams to book a place at the 2026 showpiece in North America and extend their record as Africa's most represented side on the big stage.

Despite remaining competitive in each of their matches, Eswatini go into Wednesday's clash with Cameroon having lost each of their four World Cup qualifiers, most recently a 2-1 defeat to Mauritius last June.

Mike Gaspard and Lindsay Rose both scored in the first half to give Sihlangu Semnikati a mountain to climb, and although they pulled one back through Junior Magagula midway through the second period, they were unable to find the equaliser they desperately needed.

Three of Eswatini's four defeats have come by a single goal, often leaving them to bemoan their lack of attacking firepower after scoring just three goals in their last 10 AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.

Currently seven points adrift of the runners-up spot in Group D, which would see them qualify for the 2026 global showpiece, Zdravko Logarusic's men look set to continue their wait for a place at a major international tournament.

Nevertheless, securing a first competitive win in just over a year will remain high on Eswatini's agenda, but the challenge of facing Cameroon is a daunting one given the 110-place gap between the teams in the latest FIFA Ranking.

Recent Performance

Eswatini World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:LL

Eswatini form (all competitions):WWDLLW

Cameroon World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:WD

Cameroon form (all competitions):WWDWWL

Team News

Dany Namaso and Nathan Ngoumou both received their first call-ups for Cameroon, although it remains to be seen whether either will feature.

Napoli midfielder Zambo Anguissa has shaken off a calf problem and is in contention for selection.

Vincent Aboubakar is currently one goal away from 43 international goals, which would take him level with Roger Milla in the visitors' all-time scoring charts.

With no new suspensions or injury concerns to worry about, Eswatini's best chance of overcoming their opponents on Tuesday is to remain unbeaten in the two previous meetings between the two sides.

Although it was a friendly, Sambulo Simelane led his country to victory last time out, making him one to watch.

Possible starting lineup

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