Courageous Mauritius fight back to deny Eswatini
03/23/2025 11:23 AM
Eswatini were held to a 3-3 draw by a stubborn Mauritius side in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Therefore, Sihlangu Semnikati failed to move up in the Group D standings as they remain sixth. The Southern African side will be keen to cause an upset when take on the Indomitable Lions in Cameroon on September 2025.
The Dodos, on the other hand, remained fifth in the standings after registering their second draw in Group D. Mauritius will be eager to record their second victory in Group D when they host Cape Verde in September.
Sihlangu Semnikati got off to a great start and they broke the deadlock as early as the 13th minute. Philani Mkhontfo beat goalkeeper Dorian Chiotti to hand Eswatini a 1-0 lead with the Dodos’ defence exposed.
The hosts then doubled their lead five minutes later after Mauritius were napping at the back once again. Philani Mkhontfo completed his brace after being set up by Banele Sikhondze and Eswatini were leading 2-0 at the interval.
The Dodos came back an improved side following their half-time team talk with coach Guillaume Moullec. Lindsay Rose pulled one back in the 47th minute to make it 2-1 – stunning the Eswatini fans into silence.
The goal rattled Sihlangu Semnikati’s defence and they conceded again in the 50th minute as Yannick Aristide hit the back of the net to make it 2-2 – proving to be an inspired substitute after being introduced in the first-half.
Both teams then pushed for a late winning goal and Mayibongwe Mabuza thought he had grabbed it when he scored in the 76th minute. However, Emmanuel Vincent had other ideas as the defender netted in stoppage time – ensuring that the game ended in a 3-3 draw.
Eswatini (2) 3 (P. Mkhonta 13′, 18′, Mabuza 75′)
Mauritius (0) 3 (Rose 75′, Aristide 50′, Vincent 90’+1)
Eswatini: Makhanya, L. Mkhonta, Dlamini, Mabelesa, Thwala, M. Mkhontfo (Mabuza 70′), Dlamini (Langa 67′), P. Mkhonto (Simelane 77′), Figuareido (Badenhorst 67′), Mamba, Sikhondze (Ndzinisa 67′).
Mauritius: Chiotti, Latouchent, Collard, Rose, J. Francois, Robillard (Francois 84′), Vincent, Langue, Lalsingh (Aristide 40′), Ferre (Botlar 46′ A. Francois 87′), Villeneuve (Legrand 87′).
