Cabo Verde — Eswatini : Match Preview and Prediction for October 13,2025

Historic Opportunity Beckons

A historic moment approaches for the Cape Verde national team, as they stand on the verge of securing their first-ever World Cup berth. A single victory is all that separates them from this monumental achievement. The “Blue Sharks” are currently at the top of Group D with a commanding 20 points, placing their World Cup destiny firmly within their own grasp.

Recent Performance Analysis

Their recent 3-3 draw against Libya might seem concerning at first glance, but a closer look reveals a resilient performance. Trailing 1-3, Cabo Verde staged a remarkable comeback, demonstrating their tenacity and dominance with 57% ball possession. A controversial offside call in the 96th minute denied them a decisive winning goal. This fixture will be played on home turf at the National Stadium in Praia, a city where the government has even declared the match day a national holiday, highlighting the significance of this encounter.

Key Players to Watch

The squad boasts several playmakers capable of turning the tide of a match. Dailon Livramento, for instance, has previously sealed a crucial victory against Cameroon. Another potent threat is Sidney Lopes Cabral, who, after contributing a goal and an assist as a substitute against Libya, is now poised to start and make an immediate impact.

Eswatini’s Challenging Form

Eswatini, on the other hand, presents a stark contrast. They are the undeniable underdogs of the group, languishing at the bottom of the table with a mere three points. Their World Cup qualifying campaign has seen them register zero victories, and their overall winless streak across all competitions now extends to a concerning 18 matches.

Defensive Vulnerabilities & Recent Games

Their most recent outing saw them throw away a two-goal lead against Angola, despite a brace from Justice Figuareido, ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw. This result underscores their fragility, especially considering their meager 38% ball possession and an 0-8 deficit in corners. Having leaked 16 goals in just 9 matches, their defensive frailties are glaringly apparent and pose a significant concern.

Logistical & Squad Issues

Compounding Eswatini’s challenges are significant logistical hurdles and a depleted squad. The team experienced delays while transiting through Dubai en route to Cabo Verde, meaning they will arrive just 24 hours before kick-off, severely impacting their preparation. Furthermore, their roster has been significantly weakened, with six key players from top clubs recalled for upcoming continental tournaments, leaving them with an even more formidable task.