Chad, Eswatini, Liberia, and South Sudan have advanced to the main stage of qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following their victories in the preliminary round matches on Tuesday.
The four teams will join the top 44 ranked teams on the continent in the main group-stage draw. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet announced the date for the qualifying draw or the schedule for the finals, which will be held in Morocco next year.
The scheduling of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in June and July next year may potentially conflict with the 2025 Nations Cup.
Eswatini, Liberia, and South Sudan all avoided upsets against lower-ranked opponents, while Chad defeated Mauritius, who are four places above them in FIFA’s world rankings.
In the away leg, Eswatini secured a 3-0 victory against Somalia and followed it up with two quick goals early in the second half in the return leg. Although Somalia managed to fight back for a 2-2 draw on the day in South Africa, Eswatini’s earlier lead ensured their progression.
Chad held a narrow 1-0 advantage over Mauritius before the return leg, where the islanders leveled the tie on aggregate in first-half added time. However, Chad equalized with 16 minutes remaining and netted a winner deep into injury time to secure a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Liberia played to a goalless draw against Djibouti, with their 2-0 victory from the first leg ensuring their advancement.
South Sudan also progressed after a goalless second leg in their “home” match against Sao Tome and Principe in Berkane, Morocco. The 1-1 draw in the first meeting was sufficient for South Sudan to advance on away goals.
Afcon 2025 preliminary qualifying round results
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Eswatini 2-2 Somalia (5-2 agg)
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Mauritius 1-2 Chad (1-3 agg)
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Liberia 0-0 Djibouti (2-0 agg)
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South Sudan 0-0 Sao Tome and Principe (1-1 agg)