When Cameroon national football team walked onto the pitch at Stade Omnisports Ahmadou‑Ahidjo, Yaoundé on September 4, 2025, the stakes were crystal clear: a three‑point haul could put them on a collision course with Cape Verde for the coveted Group D crown in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Qualifiers – Group D matchYaoundé, Cameroon. By the final whistle, the hosts had delivered a crisp 3‑0 triumph over Eswatini, thanks to an own‑goal, a strike from Georges‑Kévin N'Koudou, forward and a finish by Arthur Avom, midfielder. The win not only bolstered Cameroon’s points tally but also sent a clear message to their rivals that the group title is far from decided.
Historical Context: CAF’s Grueling Road to Qatar 2026
Since the draw in August 2023, Group D has turned into a mini‑marathon. The six‑team pool – Cameroon, Cape Verde, Angola, Libya, Eswatini and Mauritius – each play ten games, home and away, with the group winner earning an automatic ticket to the World Cup co‑hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The format, outlined by CAF, mirrors previous cycles: nine group winners qualify directly, while the four best runners‑up enter a play‑off for a single extra slot.
Cameroon entered the campaign as a regional heavyweight, having reached the Africa Cup of Nations final just two years earlier. Their early wins – a 3‑0 demolition of Mauritius (attendance 25,000) and a hard‑fought 1‑1 draw with Libya – positioned them comfortably in the upper half of the table. Meanwhile, Cape Verde, the under‑dog in the group, surprised many with a stalemate against Angola and a 3‑3 thriller versus Libya.
Match Details: How the 3‑0 Was Built
The action erupted almost immediately. In the sixth minute,Gift Gamedze of Eswatini mishandled a cross, turning the ball into his own net – a cruel start for the visitors. The stadium, packed with roughly 25,000 roaring fans, erupted as the scoreboard flashed 1‑0.
Just shy of the half‑hour mark, Georges‑Kévin N'Koudou tucked away a slick pass from midfielder Danny Namato. The forward angled the ball low into the bottom corner, igniting a second celebration. By the 28th minute, Arthur Avom latched onto a swift counter‑attack, slotted home the third, sealing a comfortable lead before the break.
Coach Martin Ndtoungou, who oversaw the tactical setup, praised his side’s discipline: “We wanted to control the tempo early, and the players delivered. The pressure we applied in the first half forced mistakes you can’t afford at this level.” The commentary on the official YouTube highlight reel noted the goalkeeper’s mounting pressure and highlighted the composure of Motting when receiving a high pass, “doesn’t panic,” they said.
Reactions and Analysis: Voices from the Pitch and the Stands
Post‑match, Lerago Maseko, Eswatini’s captain, admitted the group stage is “still a marathon, not a sprint.” He added, “We’ll regroup, tighten the defense and aim for points in the next fixtures.” On the Cameroon side, veteran midfielder Nagida – making his third appearance – said, “The start was perfect; we want to keep this intensity for the rest of the qualifiers.”
Statistically, Cameroon now sit on 13 points after seven matches, three ahead of Cape Verde (10 points) and four ahead of Angola (9 points). Their goal difference stands at +10, the best in the group. In contrast, Eswatini’s tally remains at two points, with a goal‑difference of –7, leaving them deep in the relegation‑type battle for the best runner‑up slot.
Implications for Qualification: What the Numbers Mean
- Cameroon’s win locks them into the top‑two, securing a chance at the automatic qualification spot.
- With three matchdays left, a single slip could see Cape Verde overtake if the latter wins both remaining games.
- Goal‑difference could become the tie‑breaker – Cameroon’s +10 gives them a healthy cushion.
- Eswatini must now chase a win against Angola and hope for a slip‑up from the group leaders to keep any runner‑up hopes alive.
Experts from BBC Sport Africa argue that Cameroon’s early‑season form suggests they are the “favorites to clinch the direct spot,” but warned that “Cape Verde’s defensive solidity could turn the final matchday into a nail‑biter.”
Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch of Group D
Next up, Cape Verde travels to Eswatini on September 12, while Mauritius faces Libya on the same day – dates confirmed by the official CAF calendar. Both fixtures are crucial; a win for Cape Verde could see them erase Cameroon’s lead, while a draw for Libya would keep the pressure on the Cameroonian side.
Cameroon’s coaching staff have hinted at rotating their squad against the weaker Mauritius earlier in the campaign, but with the title race heating up, Ndtoungou is expected to field his strongest XI against the final opponents – most likely a blend of Shaveala, Motting and the ever‑reliable Namaso.
The broader picture? The 2026 World Cup will be the first ever to involve three host nations. African representation is at a premium, and every point in these qualifiers feels like a ticket to the global stage. For Cameroon, the goal is clear: nail down the top spot, avoid the uncertainty of the play‑offs, and begin preparations for the biggest tournament of their generation.
Background: CAF Qualification Mechanics Explained
CAF’s qualification structure for Qatar 2026 – well, the 2026 tournament – mirrors the system used for 2022, with a few tweaks. All 54 member nations are split into nine groups of six. Each team plays ten matches, home and away. The group winners (nine in total) qualify automatically. The four best runners‑up – judged on points, then goal difference, then goals scored – move into a single‑leg knockout play‑off, with the ultimate victor earning the continent’s tenth slot. This design rewards consistency; a single upset rarely derails a team with a strong overall record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Cameroon's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
The 3‑0 win lifts Cameroon to 13 points, three clear of second‑placed Cape Verde with three games remaining. It solidifies their position as a frontrunner for the automatic qualification spot, meaning they only need a handful of points from the final matches to clinch the group.
Which teams are still in contention for the Group D top spot?
Cameroon and Cape Verde are the primary contenders. Angola remains mathematically capable but would need to win all remaining games and hope both Cameroon and Cape Verde drop points. Libya, despite a decent goal difference, is further off the pace.
Who scored the goals for Cameroon in the match against Eswatini?
The opening goal came from an own‑goal by Eswatini defender Gift Gamedze. Cameroon’s own scorers were Georges‑Kévin N'Koudou (25th minute) and Arthur Avom (28th minute).
What is the CAF qualification format for the 2026 World Cup?
CAF divides its 54 members into nine groups of six. Each group plays a double‑round‑robin (10 matches). The nine group winners qualify directly. The four best runners‑up (based on points, goal difference, goals scored) advance to a single‑leg knockout play‑off, with the winner earning Africa’s tenth spot at the World Cup.
When are the remaining Group D fixtures scheduled?
The next matchday sees Cape Verde traveling to Eswatini on September 12, 2025, while Mauritius faces Libya the same evening. The final round‑robin fixtures are slated for early October, though exact dates will be confirmed by CAF later this month.
Cameroon really showed why they're a top seed in Group D. That early own‑goal set the tone and the kids kept the pressure on all the way to halftime. N'Koudou and Avom did exactly what the coach asked – stay clinical. It’s a good sign for the next matches, especially with Cape Verde lurking close behind. If they keep this discipline, the automatic spot looks within reach.