Cameroon faced a disappointing stalemate against Eswatini on March 19, 2025, in a World Cup qualifier held in Mbombela, South Africa, ending the match in a goalless draw. Despite the presence of Premier League stars like Andre Onana and Bryan Mbeumo, the Indomitable Lions struggled to convert their chances and solidify their top position in Group D.
While Cameroon remains at the top with a two-point lead, this result notably allowed Cape Verde and Libya the potential to overtake them with victories scheduled for March 20. The match demonstrated Eswatini's newfound resilience, as they secured their first point of the campaign after four consecutive losses, albeit still sitting at the bottom of the group.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was largely untested, as his side failed to break down Eswatini's defense. Brentford's Mbeumo appeared dynamic throughout the match, notably setting up what seemed to be Cameroon's best chance when his cross resulted in a header from captain Vincent Aboubakar, which was brilliantly saved by Eswatini's goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya.
"Not to please ourselves, we were very lucky because Cameroon players didn’t have time to sleep properly, eat properly, and recover properly," said Eswatini coach Zdravko Logarusic after the match. He acknowledged that the timing of the match played to their advantage, stating, "With a fresh Cameroon, it would be a completely different story. Today, we were a bit lucky and caught them on the wrong break." This commentary reflects on luck as a factor in securing their point, further stating the importance of defensive tactics against a team like Cameroon.
Logarusic emphasized the game strategy that he believed had worked well against the higher-ranked side, explaining, "Against Cameroon, you can’t give them space. We tried to cut the space for Cameroon players where they could show their skill, knowledge, and physical fitness." His sentiments reinforced the understanding of football's tactical complexity, drawing a direct line between strategy and the unexpected draw.
This determined performance from Eswatini was particularly notable against a backdrop where they are ranked 159th worldwide—110 places lower than Cameroon. Despite their lowly position, they managed to shut out one of Africa's most formidable footballing nations.
Meanwhile, in other qualifiers on the same day, Tunisia extended their lead in Group H with a narrow 1-0 victory over Liberia, bolstered again by the early strike from Hazem Mastouri. Their win takes them to 13 points, putting them five points clear of second-placed Namibia with a solid unbeaten record so far.
In an exciting turn of events in Group I, Madagascar notched a remarkable comeback victory against the Central African Republic, winning 4-1. After falling behind to an early goal, the island nation saw Rayan Raveloson score twice in four minutes before halftime, while Arnaud Randrianantenaina and Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa added goals to complete the impressive defeat of their opponents.
With Madagascar leading the group with 10 points, they sit just ahead of Ghana and Comoros, both on nine. The competitive nature of these qualifiers sets high stakes for every match, particularly for teams fighting for coveted spots in the prestigious World Cup.
Looking ahead, focus turns to the next round of qualifiers. On March 20, all eyes will be on Kenya’s match against The Gambia. This game marks the debut of Benni McCarthy, previously a prominent figure in Manchester United's coaching staff, as the new head coach for Kenya.
The ongoing qualifying rounds have underscored not just the unpredictability of outcomes in football, but the strategic depth teams engage with to maximize their performances. Coaches and players alike acknowledge the importance of every match, as reflected in Logarusic’s comments post-match.
Despite Cameroon's draw, it’s clear that the team is well within reach of qualification as they prepare for their next match against Libya on March 25.
As the remaining qualifiers unfold, anticipation builds for both fans and players alike, underlining the rigorous journey that is the run-up to the global tournament—an endeavor filled with passion, dedication, and the unyielding spirit of competition.
