Forward Sulieman Ibrahim scores a brace as Eritrea advance to group stage of AFCON 2027 qualifiers

The Red Sea Camels of Eritrea have qualified for the group stage of the TotalEnergaies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers.

After picking a 2-0 win in the first leg played in Morocco last week, Eritrea claimed a precious 2-1 away win against Eswatini in the return leg on Tuesday evening.

Two second half goals by Egyptian based professional Ali Sulieman Ibrahim were enough to see Eritrea qualify at the Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba in Eswatini.

After a tense first half which saw the hosts also create some good scoring opportunities, the Red Sea Camels returned a better side after recess.

Ibrahim put Eritrea ahead after 50 minutes, and added the second seven minutes later. The hosts pulled a goal back in added team, but bowed out 4-1 on goal aggregate.

Eritrea will now join other teams to be drawn on the group stage of the qualifiers. “I am very happy that I scored three goals in the preliminary round of the qualifiers and helped my team reach the next stage,” said Sulieman Ibrahim after the match.

Hasham Yakan, Eritrea’s head coach was also full of praise for the players for the hard work that saw them win the two legs. “Scoring four goals and conceding one means that the team played well and we are happy to qualify for the next stage,” added the coach.