AFCON (Q): Eritrea and Somalia complete perfect preliminary round for Horn of Africa nations

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round is now complete after Eritrea and Somalia punched their tickets to the group stage on Tuesday. Eritrea defeated Eswatini 2-1 away from home in the second leg to complete a 4-1 aggregate victory, marking a successful return to competitive action following a long hiatus.

Ali Suleiman’s two goals early in the second half put the Red Sea Camels out of reach, allowing them to progress out of the preliminary round in their first Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign since falling at this stage during qualifying for the 2008 edition.

The Kahraba Ismailia striker produced an acrobatic finish from a cross in the 50th minute and then doubled his tally nine minutes later, giving the Eritrea an unassailable 4-0 aggregate lead. Chippa United forward Justice Figuareido provided a consolation goal for hosts Eswatini deep into second half stoppage time.

There was more drama and suspense on the island of Mauritius as the hosts fell to a heartbreaking penalty kick shootout defeat to Somalia. After a first leg in Mozambique that ended 0-0, the teams remained goalless through ninety minutes in the second leg and went straight to penalty kicks when the full time whistle arrived.

 

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The Ocean Stars kept their composure to emerge victorious with a 4-2 victory in the shootout, giving coach Yusuf Ali Nur’s team an unprecedented opportunity in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. They had never progressed beyond the preliminary stages in seven prior qualifying campaigns for Africa’s showcase national team tournament.

Tuesday’s results complete a perfect week for nations from the Horn of Africa, after Ethiopia punched their ticket earlier in the day by completing a 4-0 aggregate victory over São Tomé and Príncipe.