2026 WCQ: Cameroon coach Marc Brys blames fatigue for draw with Eswatini

Eswatini and Cameroon in action:

Photo Credit: Eswatini Football Association.

Cameroon coach Marc Brys has attributed the Indomitable Lions’ barren draw with minnows Eswatini at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa on Wednesday to fatigue.

Brys said his players did not have time to train as they spent close to a day traveling to South Africa very late for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier for Group D.

"It is not what we expected. We want the best for every moment but the flying towards the game was not correct. There was too much holdup. In the beginning, to come here we spent 24 hours on the flight and in the room. There was fatigue. We didn't train,” he said.

“I expected a very difficult game. It is not an excuse. I don't think we played well. We created very good chances and it is our task to finish them. It is a pity because they were not fresh enough. You could see fatigue.”

Ahead of the home game against Libya on March 25, 2025, the Belgian coach has since called for an improved performance from his team.

“We go away with one point. We can’t be satisfied but it is the situation one must accept. I am not satisfied with the situation. This has to change because every time we come in a situation like this, it becomes very difficult. Nobody can be happy with this situation and this draw but we don't have to cry,” Brys added.

The relationship between the 62-year-old coach and Cameroon football federation president Samuel Eto’o is said to be strained of late with the former Barcelona star accused of meddling in the Indomitable Lions’ coaching affairs.

Action continues in Group D with Cameroon welcoming Libya while Eswatini’s Sihlangu face Mauritius on Sunday, 23rd March 2025. Sihlangu anchor Group D with one point in five games, whereas second-from-the-bottom Mauritius have four points and leaders Cameroon nine.