MBABANE – Eswatini were handed a fair preliminary draw against Eritrea, who return to AFCON qualifiers after nearly two decades away from the continental stage.
Eritrea last competed in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification in 2008, and their comeback for the 2027 campaign represents a significant milestone for the Eritrean National Football Federation as they rebuild their national side. While they may be seen as underdogs, analysts point to a squad featuring professional players and a renewed focus on youth development, suggesting a more competitive side than in past years.
Sihlangu Semnikati come into the tie off the back of a solid preliminary showing, having beaten Somalia 5–3 on aggregate in March 2024 to earn their spot in the group stage of the unsuccessful qualifying campaign. Despite that success, Eswatini’s performances in AFCON group campaigns have been mixed, with only two draws and losses to neighbours Mozambique, Mali and Guinea-Bissau.
The tie will be played over two legs: Eritrea will host the first leg on March 25, 2026, with Eswatini hosting the return on March 31, 2026.
These are tentative dates. Winners progress to the main group stage of AFCON qualifying, joining Africa’s top-ranked nations in the battle for a place at the finals hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. A defeat at this stage would mean elimination before the main qualifiers.
Sihlangu are currently without a permanent head coach after the coaching panel’s contract ended in November 2025, and the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) is actively searching for a new gaffer.
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