By Chris Dlamini
(At Mbombela Stadium, Courtesy of Instacash)
Eswatini……(2) 3,
Mauritius…..(0) 3,
Disappointing.
This is one of many words one can pick from to describe Sunday’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers clash between Eswatini senior national team Sihlangu Semnikati against islanders Mauritius, at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit in South Africa (SA).
Coming from a big goalless draw against a high-ranking Cameroon brimming with stars in Europe’s best leagues, Sihlangu was held by a lower-ranked Mauritius.
This is amid going 2-0 up early within the first 20 minutes. Attacking midfielder Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhontfo put Sihlangu ahead with a stunner just before the quarter-hour mark.
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He was back to complete his brace in the 18th, again taking advantage of the slow Mauritius defence. He beat ex-French Ligue 1 star Lindsay Rose, who played for Olympique Lyon.
Just when everything was flawless, the second half presented a different Eswatini as they were the ones who were caught napping, allowing Mauritius back in the game with two quicksilver goals.
The islanders scored via their captain Lindsay after he nodded home from a set piece, making up for his lapse that allowed Mkhonto’s second goal. Just as Eswatini looked to regroup, it was 2-2.
This was three minutes later as Aristode found their second. Changes in personnel were made by both sides, and they worked for both teams.
Eswatini regrouped, created chances until substitute Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza scored what ought to be the winner.
However, Mauritius won another set piece just outside the box, and from it, little experienced goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya was beaten right where he should have.
His wall could only turn towards him in awe. Fast forward to the third goal, Mabuza finished off from rebound after Kwakhe Thwala’s set piece effort from the edge if the box ricochet off the bar, fell for Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa who hit the upright then Mabuza scored.
This saw the Eswatini grandstand come alive again, and among the supporters was Sihlangu Semnikati legend Dennis ‘Yuki’ Masina.
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Suarez netted 15 minutes before the regulation time, but his effort was cancelled out a minute into the five minutes added time.
Striker E.R.V. Jean was the scorer and hero for the islanders, breaking emaSwati’s hearts as a win has not been forthcoming since the start of the qualifiers.
Both teams remain bottom of the group after six matches. Eswatini has two points while Mauritius have five.
Leading Group D is Cameroon, who plays Libya on Tuesday at home, certainly a fixture that could go a long way in deciding the group winners, essentially the team that gets straight qualification.
However, Cape Verde are also in the running and the second spot is also crucial as four of the nine groups’ best number twos have a chance to go into the international playoffs for qualification into North America next year.
Starting Line-ups:
Eswatini – Mlamuli Makhanya, Kwakhe Thwala, Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Mxolisi Mkhontfo, Fanelo Mamba, Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhontfo, Banele Sikhondze, Innocent ‘Makhehleni’ Dlamini, Mzwandile Mabelesa, Justice Figareido, Lindo Mkhonta.
Mauritius – Chiotti, Jordan, Dylan, Lindsay, Emmanuel, Adel, Lalsing, De Robillard, Rosario, Jeremie, Jason.
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