Mbombela, South Africa – Eswatini and Mauritius played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at Mbombela, South Africa, leaving both teams with a shared point after an intense encounter.
Eswatini, known locally as Sihlangu Semnikati, dominated the first half with a commanding 2-0 lead. Philani Mkhontfo was the standout performer, netting both goals. His first came in the 13th minute, a stunning left-footed strike, before he doubled the lead in the 21st minute after a defensive error by Mauritius captain Lindsay Rose.
However, the second half saw Mauritius fight back. Rose redeemed himself with a goal just after the break in the 50th minute, bringing the score to 2-1. Yannick Aristide then leveled the match in the 52nd minute, finishing off a precise cross from Jeremy Villeneuve, making it 2-2.
91e’
— IleMauriceFr (@MauritiusFrance) March 23, 2025
Emmanuelllllllll le coup franc de l’égalisation a la 91e splendide 😍.#EswatiniIleMaurice #MauritiusFrance pic.twitter.com/UcxEHnHSpc
Eswatini responded with pressure, and Mayibongwe Mabuza put them back in front in the 76th minute after pouncing on a rebound to score, making it 3-2. As the clock ticked down, Mauritius’ goalkeeper, Dorian Chiotti, made crucial saves to deny Kwakhe Thwala and keep his team in the game.
With the match edging closer to the final whistle, Emmanuel Vincent’s expertly taken free-kick in the 92nd minute ensured a 3-3 draw for Mauritius. Eswatini goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya then saved a potential last-minute winner from Cooper Legrand, preventing a dramatic late turn of events.
Despite taking the lead on multiple occasions, Eswatini couldn’t hold on to their advantage, and the match ended in a thrilling draw. Mauritius leaves with a better sense of satisfaction after snatching a point, while Eswatini remains at the bottom of Group D.
Group D Table
| GP | Points | |
| Cape Verde | 5 | 10 |
| Cameroon | 5 | 9 |
| Libya | 5 | 8 |
| Angola | 5 | 7 |
| Mauritius | 6 | 5 |
| Eswatini | 6 | 2 |
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