Mauritius pick up home win over Eswatini

Lindsay Rose of Mauritius ©Lenoir Records/BackpagePix

Tuesday Jun 11, 2024. 17:20

Mauritius breathed new life into their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after running out 2-1 victors against Eswatini at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex in Saint Pierre on Tuesday, June 11.

Fidy Rasoanaivo’s side picked up their first win in Group D to move level with Cape Verde on four points, although they remain in fifth place on goal difference, with the King’s Shield still bringing up the rear after all four of their matches.

The Dodos came into the clash on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Libya in Benghazi five days prior, while Eswatini were beaten 1-0 by Southern African rivals Angola in Luanda on June 7.

Mauritius got off to a flying start on home soil when Mike Gaspard broke the deadlock on 19 minutes and they struck again on the stroke of half-time through Lindsay Rose to take command of proceedings.

Dominic Kunene’s side looked to respond after the restart and Andy Magagula gave them hope as he halved the deficit on 66 minutes with his first international goal.

However, the hosts saw out the remainder of the game to collect three precious points and put pressure on the Blue Sharks ahead of their encounter with the Mediterranean Knights later in the evening.

Mauritius (2) 2 (Gaspard 19′, Rose 45′)

Eswatini (0) 1 (Magagula 66′)

Mauritius: D. Chiotti, L. Rose, E. Vincent, W. Moutou, J. Francois, A. Langue, K. Bru, S. De Robillard (A. Wan Kut Kai 63′), M. Gaspard (F. Jackson 46′), Y. Aristide (L. Rita 90+1′), A. Francois (J. Ferre 63′).

Eswatini: N. Dlamini, M. Manana, K. Thwala, L. Mkhonta, M. Mabelesa, S. Matse, I. Dlamini (A. Magagula 46′), M. Mkhontfo, M. Mkhonto (N. Dlamini 46′), S. Ndzinisa (P. Mkhonto 78′), B. Matsebula (T. Mavuso 46′).