Cameroon’s quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup took an unexpected turn on Wednesday night as the Indomitable Lions were held to a shocking 0-0 draw against Eswatini. The Group D front runners, featuring star players like Vincent Aboubakar and Bryan Mbuemo, were expected to secure an easy victory but instead faced a resilient Angolan side that refused to buckle under pressure.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities, Cameroon struggled to break through Eswatini’s defense, leaving fans frustrated. The goalless draw at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit not only slowed Cameroon’s momentum but also handed Eswatini their first point of the qualifiers, keeping the group standings in flux.
With Cameroon now sitting at nine points, the group dynamics remain unpredictable. Cape Verde has the chance to overtake them with a win against Mauritius on Thursday, while Libya could also leapfrog to the top if they defeat Angola later in the evening. The race for the top spot remains wide open, making every upcoming fixture a must-watch.
The surprising result echoes sentiments shared by South Africa’s national team coach, Hugo Broos, during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Belgian tactician emphasized the rapid progress of African teams, particularly the so-called underdogs, who continue to challenge the continent’s footballing powerhouses. The unpredictability of the qualifiers is proving his analysis right, as giants like Cameroon struggle against less-fancied opponents.
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Côte d’Ivoire, fresh off their 2023 AFCON triumph, are poised to continue their impressive run. The Elephants, led by head coach Emerse Faé, are top of Group F and will face Burundi on Friday. With three wins and a draw so far, Faé remains determined to guide the Ivorians back to the World Cup, a stage they last graced in 2014.
The coach emphasized that qualifying for the tournament is an obligation, stressing that the team must maintain its momentum in the next two matches.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s campaign remains in jeopardy as the Super Eagles sit in fifth place in Group C after a string of disappointing results. With just three draws and a loss, the three-time African champions are desperate for a win against Rwanda on Friday to reignite their chances.
A victory in Kigali would propel Nigeria back into contention for an automatic qualification spot, but they face a determined Rwandan side eager to maintain their grip on the group’s top position.
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Morocco, the historic World Cup semifinalists in Qatar 2022, remain Africa’s standout team in the qualifiers, boasting a perfect record. Head coach Walid Regragui has injected fresh blood into the squad, calling up 19-year-old Chemsdine Talbi and 22-year-old Hamza Igamane to add attacking firepower.
The Atlas Lions face Niger on Friday night as they aim to extend their dominance and secure early qualification.
Group A leaders Egypt hold a four-point advantage over Guinea-Bissau and are gearing up for their clash against Ethiopia on Friday. With Burkina Faso also in action against Djibouti, the battle for qualification spots across Africa continues to intensify.
With the 2026 World Cup set to feature an expanded African representation, the stakes have never been higher. Nine group winners will secure automatic qualification, while four of the best second-placed teams will enter a high-stakes playoff for a chance to compete in an intercontinental tournament. The road to North America is proving to be anything but predictable, as African teams fight for their place on the grandest stage of them all.
