Afcon 2027 Pamoja: Eritrea, Somali and Burundi join next phase of qualifiers

Results

• Eswatini 1-2 Eritrea [Agg: 1-4]
• Mauritius 0-0 Somalia [Somalia win 4-2 on pen]
• Burundi 4-0 Chad [Agg: 8-0]
• Ethiopia 1-0 Sao Tome and Principe [Agg: 4-0]

Four more Cecafa nations secured their places in the next phase of the qualifiers alongside other advancing teams, as they continue their pursuit of a place at the AFCON 2027 finals, set to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Ethiopia, Burundi, Somalia and Eritrea all qualified to the next stage following victories over Sao Tome and Principe, Chad, Mauritius and Eswatini respectively.

Somalia stun Mauritius

Following a goalless aggregate draw over two legs, Somalia kept their nerves to win 4-2 on penalties with the home side missing two penalties in front of their fans.

Somalia proved more composed under pressure, converting four of their spot-kicks, while Mauritius faltered at crucial moments.

The Ocean Stars held their nerve to complete the job, sparking celebrations among their players as they secured progression to the next round.

Burundi overwhelms Chad

Bienvenue Kanakimana scored twice in the first half with goals in the 14^th and 22^nd minute while Justin Girumugisha added a third in the 70th minute, capitalizing on sustained pressure, before Abdoul Karim rounded off the scoring with ten minutes remaining.

With a similar score line in the first leg, Burundi qualified to the second phase with an 8-0 aggregate victory.

Ethiopia seal double over Sao Tome and Principe

Ethiopia built on their 3-0 first-leg victory over Sao Tome and Principe with a controlled 1-0 win in the return leg.

Early pressure paid off when Chernet Gugsaa found the breakthrough in the seventh minute, converting from close range after an assist by Tafesse M.

Ethiopia remained organised and disciplined, ensuring their opponents were kept at bay throughout the encounter.

Eritrea seal double over Eswatini

Holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, Eritrea once again proved clinical when it mattered, with Ali Suleiman delivering a decisive performance to guide his side through with a brace.

The quartet join South Sudan and Lesotho who qualified to the stage on Sunday.