Eswatini eyeing first win in Group D

Eswatini will attempt to get their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign up and running against Mauritius at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex in Saint Pierre on Tuesday, June 11.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

The King’s Shield bring up the rear in Group D after failing to pick up a single point from their opening three matches which has left their qualification hopes in tatters.

Dominic Kunene’s side can take encouragement from their recent performances though, having shipped just four goals in the defeats to Libya, Cape Verde and Angola.

They did well to stay in the game against the Black Sable Antelopes in Luanda on June 7 after going behind as early as the second minute and eventually losing by a single goal.

The Dodos haven’t fared much better and only have one point to show for their efforts after three rounds, placing them fifth in the group, three points behind the Blue Sharks (4th).

Fidy Rasoanaivo’s side made Cameroon work for their 3-0 victory in Douala on November 17 and then held Angola to a 0-0 draw on home soil four days later.

The Indian Ocean islanders also put up a fight against Libya in Benghazi on June 6, but ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 loss even though they kept the hosts at bay for 50 minutes.

This will be the first competitive meeting between the two teams, who faced off in a friendly back in May 2007 which Mauritius won on penalties following a goalless draw.