Suleiman stars as Eritrea make fairytale AFCON return

Ali Suleiman was the two-goal hero as Eritrea won 2-1 in Eswatini on Tuesday to complete a fairytale return to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Egypt-based striker struck after 50 and 57 minutes in Lobamba. Justice Figuareido snatched an added-time consolation goal for the home team.

Winning in the southern Africa kingdom sealed a 4-1 aggregate triumph for the east Africans as they returned to the AFCON after an 18-year absence.

Having competed in 2008 AFCON qualifying, Eritrea did not take part in the following nine editions of the premier African national team competition without giving an official explanation.

It is widely believed their absence was triggered by players seeking asylum when the national squad travelled to other African countries for World Cup or regional competition matches.

The United Nations estimates about 80 Eritrean footballers and coaches defected, citing political repression and lengthy military service as the main reasons.

Eritrea has been governed by President Isaias Afwerki since gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993 and human rights groups consistently describe his rule as "highly repressive".

Somalia surprised hosts Mauritius in Saint-Pierre by winning 4-2 on penalties after both legs of the 2027 preliminary round tie ended in 0-0 draws.

Burundi and Ethiopia also progressed after home victories to secure places in the six-round main qualifying competition, which kicks off on September 23.

Having built a four-goal lead in the first leg, Burundi beat Chad 4-0 again with Czech Republic-based Bienvenue Kanakimana scoring an early brace in Bujumbura.

Late goals from Jean Claude Girumugisha and Abdoul Karim completed an emphatic victory for the Swallows, whose previous appearance at the AFCON tournament was in 2019.

Ethiopia edged Sao Tome e Principe 1-0 in Dire Dawa for a 4-0 overall triumph. Chernet Gugsa struck the match-winner after just seven minutes.