SIHLANGU WC HOPES HANG BY A THREAD

(At Mbombela Stadium)

Eswatini ........................(2)3
Philani 13th , 18th, ‘Suarez’ 76th

Mauritius .....................(0)3
Rose 46th, Yannick 49th, Emmanuel 89th

NELSPRUIT – In a gripping encounter at Mbombela Stadium, Eswatini’s aspirations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a significant hit, as they squandered a comfortable lead to draw 3-3 with Mauritius.

 The match, a pivotal fixture in Group D of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)  World Cup Qualifiers, saw the Sihlangu Semnikati  fail to secure the much-needed victory against the lowly-ranked side.

Eswatini started the match in electrifying fashion, with Philani Mkhontfo emerging as the standout performer. The forward opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a stunning left-footed strike, setting the tone for what appeared to be a promising afternoon for the home side. Mkhontfo doubled the lead shortly after, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Mauritius captain Lindsay Rose, giving Eswatini a 2-0 advantage heading into half-time.

However, the second half bore witness to a dramatic shift in momentum. Just one minute post the interval, Rose redeemed himself by netting a goal from close range, igniting hope for ‘Les Dodos’, as Mauritius are affectionately known. The equaliser came quickly thereafter when the first-half substitute, Yannick Aristide, finished off a well-placed cross from Jeremy Villeneuve, bringing the score to 2-2.

As the match progressed, Eswatini seemed determined to reclaim their lead. And they did, through Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza, who scored from a rebound to put the home side ahead once more at 3-2. Yet, the drama was far from over. Mauritius, spurred on by their earlier resurgence, pushed forward relentlessly. The visitors’ goalkeeper, Dorian Chiotti, showcased his brilliance by denying Kwakhe Thwala on two occasions, keeping the score intact.

In a heart-stopping finale, Emmanuel Vincent levelled the match again with a well-executed free kick, securing a crucial point for Mauritius, who was 20 places Eswatini in the global charts, in the dying moments of the game. Eswatini’s goalkeeper, Mlamuli Makhanya, earned his stripes with a crucial save from Cooper Legrand deep into stoppage time, but the damage had already been done.

The draw leaves Eswatini languishing at the bottom of Group D with just two points, while Mauritius, with five points, remain fifth. With the March window now concluded, Eswatini’s World Cup hopes hang by a thread, their path to qualification becoming increasingly treacherous.

As Group D action resumes on Tuesday, all eyes will be on Cameroon as they host Libya, while group leaders Cape Verde face a challenging encounter against Angola. For Eswatini, the urgency to regroup and find a way forward is paramount, as the dream of World Cup glory becomes ever more elusive.

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