World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Cameroon stumbles against Eswatini, Tunisia shines
Khwakhe Thwala of Eswatini challenges Brian Tetsadong Mbeumo of Cameroon during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Eswatini and Cameroon on the 19 March 2025 at Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela Photo Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers have returned with their usual share of surprises, and this time, Cameroon found themselves on the wrong side of an unexpected result. Despite being heavy favorites against Eswatini, the Indomitable Lions were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, while Tunisia made a strong start to their campaign.
Cameroon’s disappointing draw
Cameroon, boasting star players like Vincent Aboubakar, André Onana, and the in-form Bryan Mbeumo, failed to live up to expectations in their first match of the year.
The team, visibly affected by a grueling 300-kilometer bus journey to the match venue, struggled to break down a resilient Eswatini side.
The underdogs, ranked 144th in the world, celebrated a hard-earned point, their first in the qualifiers.
Despite introducing fresh talent such as Nathan Ngoumou and Danny Namaso, Cameroon’s head coach, Marc Brys, couldn’t inspire his team to find the back of the net.
The draw leaves Cameroon with 9 points in Group D, risking being overtaken by Libya or Cape Verde, both sitting on 7 points, as the qualifiers progress.
The pressure is now mounting as the Indomitable Lions prepare for a crucial clash against Libya, led by Aliou Cissé, next Tuesday in Yaoundé.
Tunisia’s strong start
In contrast to Cameroon’s struggles, Tunisia kicked off their campaign with confidence, securing a vital win that puts them in a strong position early in the qualifiers.
The Carthage Eagles demonstrated their tactical discipline and attacking prowess, signaling their intent to dominate their group.
What’s next for Cameroon?
Cameroon’s inability to secure three points against Eswatini has raised questions about their form and preparation. With the race for World Cup qualification heating up, the Indomitable Lions must regroup quickly. Their upcoming match against Libya is now a must-win encounter to keep their hopes alive and avoid slipping further behind in the group standings.
As the qualifiers continue, fans will be watching closely to see if Cameroon can rediscover their winning form or if their World Cup dreams will face an early setback.
For now, Eswatini’s spirited performance serves as a reminder that in football, surprises are always around the corner.
