Eswatini Frustrates Cameroon in World Cup Qualifier Stalemate

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon’s hopes of securing a comfortable path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a hit on Wednesday, March 19 after they were held to a 0-0 draw against lowly-ranked Eswatini in a Group D qualifier played at Mbombela Stadium, South Africa.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the Indomitable Lions failed to break through Eswatini's resilient defence, dropping two crucial points against a team ranked 159th in the world – a staggering 110 places below Cameroon.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo came closest to scoring for Cameroon in the first half when his curling shot from distance rattled the woodwork. Captain Vincent Aboubakar also had his fair share of opportunities but was wasteful in front of goal, while Mbeumo saw another effort deflected wide from the post.

In the second half, Eswatini goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya produced a vital save to tip away a dangerous header from Aboubakar, ensuring the hosts held firm under pressure.

While Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana had little to do in Cameroon’s goal, he nearly pulled off a sensational winner late in the game. His long clearance from inside the centre circle bounced inside the six-yard box before narrowly sailing over the crossbar, almost catching Makhanya off guard.

Eswatini, who had lost four of their opening qualifiers, managed to hold on through six minutes of stoppage time, securing their first point of the campaign in what will go down as one of their most memorable results in World Cup qualifying history.

For Cameroon, the result is a setback in their bid to top Group D. Though they remain unbeaten in five games, they could lose their lead in the standings depending on other results before they host Libya next Tuesday.

With qualification getting more competitive, coach Marc Brys and his squad will need to bounce back quickly if they hope to maintain their record as Africa’s most experienced World Cup team, having appeared in eight editions of the global showpiece.

Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup finals resumed after a nine-month hiatus. The final six rounds of group matches were held in March, September, and October. The nine group winners are guaranteed a place in the finals, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In the other qualifiers, Tunisia continued their unbeaten start with a hard-fought 1-0 win away against Liberia to move five points clear at the top of Group H. Madagascar moved to the summit of Group I after coming from behind to win 4-1 away against Central African Republic (CAR) in Corentin Martins' first match in charge. The islanders lead Comoros and Ghana by a point.