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• FIFA’s only unranked Nation plays first competitive game in seven years

  Unranked Eritrea marked their return to competitive football after seven years with a stunning 2-0 victory over Eswatini in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round first leg.   ​Eritrea’s “Red Sea Camels” produced a fairy-tale return to the international stage on Wednesday, defeating Eswatini 2-0 in Meknes, Morocco. Despite being FIFA’s only unranked nation due to years of inactivity, the East African side defied the odds in their first AFCON qualifier since 2007. The victory ends nearly two decades of continental isolation, a period largely attributed to concerns over player defections during overseas assignments. ​The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when 18-year-old Sheffield United debutant Siem Eyob-Abraha scored directly from a corner kick. Talismanic striker Ali Sulieman, who earlier missed a penalty, redeemed himself with a sensational solo goal in stoppage time to double the advantage. Newly appointed Egyptian coach Hesham Yakan integrated 14 foreign-based players into the squad, showcasing a dynamic, modernized approach that overwhelmed the visitors. ​The two sides meet again for the decisive second leg in Eswatini on March 31. The aggregate winner will progress to the 48-team group stage scheduled for later this year. With the next FIFA rankings update due on April 6, Eritrea is poised to reclaim an official global standing for the first time since 2022, potentially ending their unique status as the world’s only unranked footballing nation.

• Preview: Senegal and DR Congo battle for knockout spot in high-stakes AFCON clash

  Senegal and DR Congo meet in a decisive Group D fixture where a victory would guarantee early qualification for the AFCON 2025 knockout rounds.

  Former champions Senegal and two-time winners DR Congo face off at the Tangier Grand Stadium this Saturday evening in a pivotal Group D encounter.

  Both nations entered the second round of fixtures following decisive opening-day victories, meaning the winner of this match will officially secure progression to the AFCON 2025 knockout stages.

  Senegal currently holds the top spot on goal difference after a commanding 3-0 win over Botswana in their tournament debut.

  Senegal’s attack made history in their opener, recording 17 shots on target—the highest in an AFCON match since 2010.

  Nicolas Jackson, who scored twice, and Sadio Mane, who registered six shots on target, remain the primary threats for the Lions of Teranga.

  Head coach Pape Thiaw has a near-full squad available, bolstered by the return of left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from suspension, though winger Assane Diao remains sidelined with a thigh injury.

  DR Congo enters the contest as a formidable defensive unit, having secured five clean sheets in their last six competitive matches.

  The Leopards opened their campaign with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Benin thanks to a Theo Bongonda strike.

  Head coach Sebastien Desabre relies on a physically robust backline led by Chancel Mbemba and West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, aiming to avenge their recent 3-2 World Cup qualifying loss to Senegal in Kinshasa.

  The match is expected to be a tactical battle between two of the continent’s elite defenses.

  While DR Congo has proven they can protect narrow leads, Senegal’s high-tempo offense, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye, provides a significant challenge.

  Experts anticipate a “very tactical and tight game,” with the Lions of Teranga favored to secure a narrow 1-0 victory due to their superior individual attacking quality and recent competitive momentum.

• Ivory Coast and Senegal secure World Cup spots

  Ivory Coast and Senegal secured Africa’s last two automatic spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Senegal beating Mauritania 4-0 and Ivory Coast defeating Kenya 3-0, showcasing strong performances and clean sheets in qualifying.

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• Senegal’s Mané leads 5-0 rout of South Sudan

  Senegal dominated South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, with goals from Sarr, Mané, Jackson, and Ndiaye, strengthening their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification bid.

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• World Cup 2026: Who has qualified so far

  Fifteen nations have already joined the hosts for the 2026 World Cup, with crucial final qualifying matches set to decide the remaining spots across the globe this October.

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