Eswatini will host Mauritius in a crucial Group D encounter on Sunday as both teams seek to improve their standings in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The match at Somhlolo National Stadium presents an opportunity for both sides to revive their campaign, with Eswatini hoping to leverage home advantage against a struggling Mauritius side.
Head-to-head record
The two teams have faced each other three times in competitive fixtures, with each securing one win and one match ending in a draw.
Eswatini have scored six goals across these meetings, while Mauritius have netted four.
Their most recent encounter, held in Mauritius on 11 June 2024, saw the hosts claim a narrow 2-1 victory.
Past Meetings
- 11 June 2024 (WC Qualification CAF): Mauritius 2-1 Eswatini
- 6 July 2022 (COSAFA Cup): Mauritius 0-3 Eswatini
- 25 May 2019 (COSAFA Cup): Eswatini 2-2 Mauritius
Eswatini’s struggles and home performance
Eswatini sit at the bottom of Group D with just one point from five matches.
Their performances have been lackluster, with only one victory in their last ten outings.
A major concern for the hosts is their poor record at home, where they have failed to win in their last 18 matches. They have averaged just 0.3 goals per game while conceding 1.4 goals per match.
Recent Results:
- 19 March 2025 (WC Qualification CAF): Eswatini 0-0 Cameroon
- 29 December 2024 (ANC): Madagascar 0-1 Eswatini
- 19 November 2024 (Continental Cup): Mali 6-0 Eswatini
- 15 November 2024 (Continental Cup): Eswatini 1-1 Guinea-Bissau
- 14 October 2024 (Continental Cup): Eswatini 0-3 Mozambique
Mauritius’ away woes
Mauritius currently sit fifth in the group, having won just one of their five qualifying matches.
Their struggles are particularly evident away from home, where they have suffered six defeats in their last seven games.
They have also failed to score in five of their last six away matches.
However, their 2-1 victory over Eswatini in their previous meeting may serve as a confidence boost.
Recent Results:
- 20 March 2025 (WC Qualification CAF): Cape Verde 1-0 Mauritius
- 19 November 2024 (International Friendly): Hong Kong 1-0 Mauritius
- 6 September 2024 (Intercontinental Cup): Syria 2-0 Mauritius
- 3 September 2024 (Intercontinental Cup): India 0-0 Mauritius
- 11 June 2024 (WC Qualification CAF): Mauritius 2-1 Eswatini
Match prediction and key trends
Given Eswatini’s struggles at home and Mauritius’ poor away form, this match is expected to be closely contested.
Key statistics suggest a low-scoring encounter:
- Eswatini have scored less than 1.5 goals in 14 of their last 15 home matches.
- Both teams have found the net in only one of their last three head-to-head meetings.
- Mauritius have failed to score in five of their last six away matches.
Predictions:
- Outcome: Mauritius not to lose
- Total Goals: Under 1.5 goals for Eswatini
- Both Teams to Score: No
With both sides eager to turn their fortunes around, Sunday’s fixture will be a pivotal test in their World Cup qualification journey.
