Mauritius clinched their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, defeating Eswatini 2-1 on Tuesday. After enduring two defeats and a draw, the Dodos finally found reason to celebrate as they secured a hard-fought win on the fourth day of the qualifiers.
The breakthrough came early in the game when Mike Gaspard netted the opening goal for Mauritius in the 19th minute, setting the tone for an assertive performance.
Lindsay Rose extended their lead just before halftime, putting Mauritius in a commanding position with a 2-0 advantage going into the break.
Despite Eswatini’s efforts to stage a comeback in the second half, they managed to narrow the deficit only once, with Andy Junior Magagula finding the back of the net in the 66th minute.
However, their spirited fightback fell short as they failed to equalize, resulting in their fourth consecutive defeat in the qualifiers.
For Mauritius, the victory marks a significant milestone in their campaign, providing a much-needed boost to morale.
With the win, they move level on points with Cape Verde in the standings, although they remain in fifth place.
The triumph underscores the resilience and determination of the Mauritian team, who have demonstrated their ability to compete at the international level despite facing formidable opponents.
As they continue their journey in the qualifiers, they will look to build on this success and strive for further victories in the remaining matches.
The victory over Eswatini serves as a testament to the progress and potential of Mauritian football, offering hope for the future as they aim to make their mark on the global stage.
With renewed confidence and momentum, Mauritius will be eager to continue their quest for qualification to the 2026 World Cup, fueled by the passion and support of their fans.
