Cameroon Aims for World Cup Qualification Against Struggling Eswatini

MBOMBELA, South Africa – Cameroon will look to solidify its position at the top of Group D in the Africa World Cup Qualifying when it faces off against Eswatini on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Mbombela Stadium. With the match set to kick off at 4 p.m. local time, the Indomitable Lions, currently with eight points, aim to maintain their lead against an Eswatini squad that remains winless after four matches.

Under the guidance of head coach Marc Brys, Cameroon hopes to ride the momentum of previous successes in the qualifiers. They kicked off their campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Mauritius on November 17, followed by a draw against Libya, and further wins over Cape Verde and Angola. However, a recent loss to the Central African Republic has overshadowed their efforts as they head into this critical match.

Despite their recent form, Cameroon retains high aspirations, needing just a few more points to virtually guarantee a spot in the highly competitive 2026 World Cup in North America.

In contrast, Eswatini faces an uphill battle. Sitting at the bottom of Group D without a single point and only three goals to show from their last ten qualifiers, the Sihlangu Semnikati are desperate for a much-needed victory. The team’s coach, Zdravko Logarusic, acknowledges the importance of turning the tide and securing their first competitive win in over a year.

“We know we are the underdogs, but we must find a way to score and access victory,” Logarusic stated in a recent press conference. “The task is daunting, but belief in the team is key.”

Cameroon, with a slew of talented players including star striker Vincent Aboubakar, is expected to dominate the match. Aboubakar, just one goal shy of an impressive 43 international goals, poses a significant threat to the Eswatini defense that has struggled to keep opponents at bay.

On the other hand, Eswatini will have to make adjustments as they look to bolster their attack amidst struggles at scoring. Their last outing finished with a disappointing 2-1 loss against Mauritius, contributing to their current run of four-straight defeats in World Cup qualifiers.

Player selections will also be watched closely, with Cameroon including a few debut call-ups. Whether they play remains uncertain, but their inclusion signals the depth and future potential of the squad.

The importance of this match is not lost on either side. For Cameroon, a win reaffirms their dominance and secures a strategic position in the standings. For Eswatini, it represents hope and a chance to claw back into contention, despite their significant struggle against a higher-ranked opponent.

As kickoff draws near, the anticipation builds for what should be an exciting matchup at Mbombela Stadium where Cameroon will seek to capitalize on their experienced lineup against a desperate Eswatini.