South Sudan advanced to the next stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers despite a 1-0 defeat to Djibouti in the second leg, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory.

In the first leg, South Sudan showcased a commanding performance, winning 4-0, which set a strong foundation for their progression. In the return match held in Juba, Djibouti managed to score their only goal in the 77th minute, with Samuel Temidayo finding the net.

The aggregate score of 4-1 in favor of South Sudan highlights their overall dominance in the tie. The goal from Djibouti, while significant, came too late to impact the outcome of the qualifiers.

Djibouti’s victory in the second leg marked their first win away from home in many years, a notable achievement despite their exit from the competition. Throughout the match, Djibouti struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for long periods, reflecting their challenges in overturning the heavy deficit.

South Sudan appeared content to manage the game and protect their aggregate lead rather than push forward aggressively in the return encounter. Their overall performance emphasized their attacking quality and control, which was evident in the first leg.

As the preliminary round of AFCON 2027 qualifiers continues, with more matches scheduled for March 31, 2026, observers will be looking forward to how South Sudan builds on this success. The tournament will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, adding further excitement to the upcoming matches.

Ultimately, South Sudan’s emphatic first-leg advantage proved decisive, ensuring their place in the next round despite the narrow defeat in Juba. Details remain unconfirmed regarding Djibouti’s future plans following their exit from the qualifiers.

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Eritrea secured a 2-0 victory over Eswatini in the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 Preliminary Round qualifier held on March 25, 2026, at Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, Morocco.

The match saw Eritrea take the lead with a goal from Siem Eyob-Abraha in the 81st minute, followed by a second goal from Ali Suleiman just four minutes into added time. Despite the win, Eritrea missed a penalty during the match, which could have increased their lead.

This match marked a significant moment for Eritrea, as it was their first qualifier in 20 years against Eswatini, with the last encounter occurring in September 2007. The victory puts Eritrea in a favorable position ahead of the return leg.

The return leg is scheduled to take place on March 31, 2026, at Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, Eswatini. This match is part of the opening round of qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027, which will see the continental finals co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania next year.

Reactions to the match have been positive from Eritrean supporters, who are hopeful for their team’s performance in the upcoming return leg. Official statements from the teams are expected as they prepare for the next encounter.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of this match on both teams’ strategies moving forward in the qualifiers.

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