By Ojukwu Emmanuel Chiadikaobi

Chad, Eswatini, Liberia, and South Sudan have clinched their berths in the group phase of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, set for Morocco 2025. These nations exhibited sheer determination and prowess in their respective second-leg matches during the preliminary stage on Tuesday.

Chad showcased their dominance as they triumphed over Mauritius with a 2-1 victory at the National Sports Complex Pitch 1 in Saint Pierre. Their aggregate score of 3-1 solidified their advancement to the next round.

Eswatini demonstrated their resilience at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, where they locked horns with Somalia. Despite a 2-2 draw, Eswatini’s earlier commanding 3-0 win secured their passage with a resounding 5-2 aggregate score.

Liberia held their ground against Djibouti at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, concluding their match with a goalless draw. Their previous victory in the first leg ensured their progression to the next round with a 2-0 aggregate score.

South Sudan in a tense showdown with Sao Tome and Principe in Berkane, Morocco, battled to a goalless draw. However, their crucial away goal in the first leg proved instrumental as they advanced on the away goals rule, following a 1-1 tie in the initial encounter.

With their triumphs, Chad, Eswatini, Liberia, and South Sudan are now poised to navigate the next phase of qualifiers, where they will join the 44 exempted nations for the eagerly anticipated group stage. As anticipation builds for the SportAfcon 2025, these nations stand ready to showcase their talent and passion on the continental stage.