World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Eswatini Shocks Cameroon with Draw
Cameroon was unexpectedly held to a 0-0 draw by Eswatini in World Cup 2026 qualifiers, despite a higher FIFA ranking. Tunisia secured a 1-0 win over Liberia, while Madagascar moved to the top of Group I with a 4-1 victory against Central African Republic. These results highlight the competitive nature of African football as teams seek qualification for the World Cup finals.
On Wednesday, the World Cup 2026 qualifiers resumed, highlighting a surprising outcome as Cameroon was held to a draw by the underdog Eswatini. Despite having a significantly higher FIFA ranking, Cameroon could not secure a victory, facing a determined Eswatini side that effectively defended throughout the match. Bryan Mbeumo narrowly missed scoring for Cameroon when he struck the woodwork with a long-range effort, while Eswatini goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya made crucial saves to prevent goals from Vincent Aboubakar and others.
Although Cameroon remains unbeaten in their group after five matches, the draw complicates their position at the top of Group D, especially with their upcoming match against Libya. Meanwhile, in Group H, Tunisia maintained their unbeaten streak, achieving a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Liberia, which positions them five points clear at the summit.
Madagascar enjoyed a significant victory in Group I, overtaking the top position after a 4-1 win over the Central African Republic. Rayan Raveloson led Madagascar’s turnaround with two goals, showcasing their potential for World Cup qualification. As the qualifiers continue with matches scheduled throughout the year, nine group winners will secure a spot in the finals set to take place in North America.
The World Cup qualifiers follow a nine-month break and feature a total of six rounds of matches extending into the autumn months. Of note, the draw for Cameroon against Eswatini illustrates the unpredictability of the competition and the growing stature of less-favored teams in African football.
The recent World Cup qualifiers have showcased surprising results, notably Eswatini’s draw against Cameroon, challenging traditional power dynamics in African football. Tunisia and Madagascar also made significant strides in their respective groups, reinforcing their bids for World Cup qualification. The ongoing qualifiers promise more unpredictable encounters, with numerous teams vying for the coveted spots in the finals in 2026.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
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