BETTING GUIDE: Cape Verde vs Eswatini, Match Preview, Team News and Betting Tips
Reading Time: 4min | Sun. 12.10.25. | 12:30
Cape Verde are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Eswatini, winning three and drawing two. The reverse fixture ended 2-0 in Cape Verde’s favour, and the hosts will be confident of extending their dominance against the group’s bottom side.
Cape Verde stand on the brink of history.
On Monday evening, the Blue Sharks will look to secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification when they host Eswatini in their final Group D encounter at the Estadio Nacional in Praia.
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The stakes couldn’t be higher for Bubista’s side, who enter the final round sitting top of the group with 20 points from nine games, two clear of Cameroon.
Victory for Cape Verde would guarantee them a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
A draw could still suffice depending on Cameroon’s result against Angola, but the Blue Sharks will want to leave nothing to chance.
Cape Verde have enjoyed an excellent qualifying campaign, registering six wins, two draws and just one loss, scoring 13 goals and conceding only eight.
Their most recent outing, a thrilling 3-3 comeback draw away to Libya, showcased their fighting spirit, coming from 3-1 down to salvage a crucial point.
They have also been rock-solid at home, winning three and drawing one of their four home games, without conceding a single goal on home soil during this qualifying cycle.
This impressive form underlines their status as favourites heading into this decisive clash.
In stark contrast, Eswatini have endured a forgettable campaign.
Sifiso Ntibane’s men sit bottom of Group D with just three points from nine games, having failed to win a single match.
They’ve managed only six goals while conceding 16, with their only bright moments being three draws.
Their latest result - a 2-2 draw against Angola - summed up their struggles.
After racing into a two-goal lead thanks to a brace from Justice Johnpaul Figuareido, they conceded twice late on to let the win slip away.
The draw extended their winless streak to 18 matches in all competitions, with their last victory coming against Somalia in March 2024.
To make matters worse, Eswatini have been particularly poor away from home - losing all four away matches in this qualification group, and failing to score in three of those.
Coach Bubista is expected to make some slight tweaks to the side that drew with Libya.
Veteran forward Ryan Mendes could start in place of Heriberto Tavares, who was subbed off at halftime in the previous match.
Sidny Lopes Cabral, who made a lively impact off the bench, is also pushing for a starting role.
Cape Verde typically use huge wing play and midfield control.
Dailon Livramento will be expected to shoulder the attacking burden, though he had a quiet game last time out.
Defensively, the Blue Sharks will look to maintain their strong record at home, with a solid back four and an organized midfield screen offering protection.
With nothing left to play for, Ntibane may look to shuffle his pack. Mcolisi Manana could come into defence for Siphosethu Mabilisa, while Innocent Dlamini may start in midfield.
All eyes will once again be on Figueiredo, who scored both goals against Angola and remains Eswatini’s biggest attacking threat.
Their setup will likely remain cautious, with a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation prioritizing defensive shape and looking to hit on the break.
However, the gap in quality and consistency between the two sides suggests that Eswatini will spend most of the match on the back foot.
For Cape Verde, it’s about composure and seizing the moment.
Their wide players will be key in stretching Eswatini’s defence, while midfield control will allow them to build sustained pressure.
An early goal could open the floodgates.
Eswatini’s best hope lies in remaining compact and hoping for moments of individual brilliance on the counter, particularly from Figueiredo
Their poor away form and inability to sustain performances suggest they may be overrun if they concede early.
Cape Verde are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Eswatini, winning three and drawing two.
The reverse fixture ended 2-0 in Cape Verde’s favour, and the hosts will be confident of extending their dominance against the group’s bottom side.
Key Pointers
Cape Verde are unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions..
Eswatini have lost all four of their away games in this competition.
Eswatini failed to score in three of their four away WCQ matches.
With a chance to write football history and backed by a passionate home crowd, Cape Verde are expected to deliver a professional and composed performance.
The Blue Sharks have shown resilience, discipline, and attacking flair throughout the campaign and have been particularly strong at home.
Eswatini, while occasionally spirited, lack the quality, form, and belief to mount an upset. Their poor away record and leaky defence point to another difficult outing.
Expect Cape Verde to control the match, limit Eswatini’s chances, and possibly win by multiple goals.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
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