Eritrea end 18-year AFCON exile after win over Eswatini

Ali Suleiman emerged as the match-winner on Tuesday, scoring twice to inspire Eritrea to a 2-1 victory over Eswatini in Lobamba and secure a long-awaited return to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Egypt-based forward struck in quick succession shortly after the break, finding the net in the 50th and 57th minutes to put the visitors in control. Eswatini managed a late response through Justice Figuareido in added time, but it was little more than consolation as Eritrea completed a 4-1 aggregate triumph.

The result marks a remarkable comeback for the East African side, who have been absent from the continent’s flagship tournament since 2008. Their prolonged absence—spanning nine consecutive editions—has often been linked to a series of player defections during international duty, with many seeking asylum abroad amid concerns over political repression and mandatory military service.

Eritrea has been under the leadership of President Isaias Afwerki since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, with international rights groups consistently raising concerns about the country’s governance and human rights record.

Elsewhere in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round, Somalia pulled off a surprise in Saint-Pierre, defeating hosts Mauritius 4-2 on penalties after both legs ended goalless.

Burundi and Ethiopia also booked their places in the next phase with convincing home victories. Burundi completed a dominant 8-0 aggregate win over Chad, with Bienvenue Kanakimana scoring twice early in a 4-0 second-leg triumph before late goals from Jean Claude Girumugisha and Abdoul Karim sealed the rout. Burundi last appeared at the tournament in 2019.

Ethiopia, meanwhile, edged Sao Tome e Principe 1-0 in Dire Dawa to secure a 4-0 aggregate victory, thanks to an early strike from Chernet Gugsa, who scored after just seven minutes.