South Sudan and Lesotho have successfully progressed to the group stage of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Pamoja 2027 qualifiers following decisive aggregate victories in Sunday’s preliminary round clashes.
The Bright Stars of South Sudan advanced despite falling 1-0 to Djibouti in the second leg played in Juba. Their emphatic 4-0 triumph in the first leg proved sufficient, sealing a 4-1 aggregate win.
Djibouti’s consolation came late in the contest, with Samuel Temidayo finding the net in the 77th minute after being set up by Gabriel Dadzie marking their only goal across both legs.
Meanwhile, Lesotho staged a spirited comeback to defeat Seychelles 2-1 in Bloemfontein, overturning an early setback to progress.
Brandon Labrosse had handed Seychelles the lead in the opening half, but Lesotho responded strongly after the break. Goals from Lebohang Lesako and Sera Motebang turned the tie around, ensuring a 2-1 aggregate victory following a barren draw in the first leg.
The preliminary phase of the qualifiers concludes on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with four additional fixtures lined up across the continent. The remaining ties will determine the final teams to join South Sudan and Lesotho in the group stage.
Upcoming Fixtures – Tuesday, March 31, 2026:
- Eswatini vs Eritrea – Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba (5:00 PM)
- Mauritius vs Somalia – National Sports Complex, Saint Pierre (6:00 PM)
- Burundi vs Chad – Stade Intwari, Bujumbura (4:00 PM)
- Ethiopia vs Sao Tome e Principe – Dire Dawa Stadium (4:00 PM)
The 2027 AFCON tournament will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed the trio’s readiness to stage the competition, even as preparations continue amid ongoing infrastructural developments.
Leave feedback about this