Madagascar v Eswatini is set to kick off on 9 June 2025 as part of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Fans in Italy, Germany, France and Spain can catch the action at 15:00 CEST, while viewers in the UK should tune in at 14:00 BST. Local supporters in Madagascar will see kick-off at 16:00 EAT, and in Eswatini the match starts at 16:00 SAST.
This fixture could prove decisive for both sides as they look to secure their place in the final tournament. With qualification spots at stake, expectations are high and the battle on the pitch promises to be intense. Punters and football followers alike will be watching closely, weighing up the latest form, head-to-head trends and available betting markets.
How are both teams coming into this?
Madagascar arrive in confident mood after remaining unbeaten in their last four home qualifiers. Their attack has shown creativity and efficiency in the final third, and the hosts will be buoyed by strong home support at the Stade Municipal. Key wins against higher-ranked opponents have demonstrated that Madagascar can compete under pressure, making them a formidable side in Group G.
Eswatini, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency, particularly away from home. Defensive lapses have cost them valuable points, while a lack of cutting edge up front has seen a handful of draws slip away. Despite these challenges, the away team will look to tighten up at the back and spring a surprise on the counter, knowing that an upset here could reignite their qualification hopes.
Our forecast
We expect a closely contested first half, with Madagascar pressing for an early advantage and Eswatini sitting deep to soak up pressure. The hosts’ home form makes them slight favorites, but Eswatini’s resilience suggests they will be hard to break down entirely. Punters may find value in a low-scoring first 45 minutes and a strategic shift after the break.
In the second half, Madagascar should edge in front as fatigue sets in for the visitors. A winning margin of one goal looks most likely, with the potential for a late Eswatini counter-attack. Overall, backing a Madagascar victory with fewer than three total goals appears the most balanced bet for this clash.
