Forward Abel Yalew netted a brace to help Ethiopia defeat Sao Tome & Principe 3-0 in a TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier tie played on Friday.

Kenean Markneh gave the visiting Ethiopia team the lead after 22 minutes at the El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida in Morocco.

The hosts tried to reorganize themselves, but Yalew made it 2-0 after 31 minutes. Yalew was on target against in the second half after 78 minutes to give Ethiopia the advantage ahead of their home return leg to be played on March 31^st.

In the other matches played Burundi humbled hosts Chad 4-0 in the first leg played at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena.

Jordi Liongola, Bienvenue Kanakimana, Abdoul Karim and Mossi Nduwumwe were all on target.

Elsewhere, Somalia and Mauritius played out a goalless draw in their first-leg clash, leaving their tie finely balanced heading into the return fixture.

Teams that qualify from the preliminary stage will join the better ranked team to be drawn for the group stage of the qualifiers.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host AFCON 2027.

The Bright Star of South Sudan have defeated Djibouti 4-0 in the first leg preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

Teng Mawiern Kuol gave South Sudan the lead after 31 minutes at the Juba National Stadium.

The Djibouti team tried to fight back strongly, but failed to break through the South Sudan defending line.

After recess Justin Bangasi made it 2-0 for the Bright Star four minutes into the second half. Peter Manyanga and Keer Manger added two more goals to ensure South Sudan picked a comfortable win ahead of the return leg to be played on March 29^th at the same Stadium.

Action continues on Friday with Somalia hosting Mauritius in Mozambique, while Burundi and Ethiopia play away to Chad and Sao Tome & Principe respectively.

Teams that qualify from the preliminary round will join others to be drawn for the group stage of the qualifiers.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host the AFCON 2027.

Taifa Stars of Tanzania have suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liechtenstein in a Group B match of the FIFA Series played at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Thursday.

Tanzania looked the better side in the first half with Seleman Mwalimu rounding off the Liechtenstein goalkeeper, but failed to score, and later Feisal Salum’s effort rattled the post.

After recess the lowly ranked Liechtenstein (204^th) returned strongly to put up a good defensive and attacking display.

In the second half, the lowly ranked the Europeans’ strong defensive display continued, but they were also lethal on counterattacks.

After a fast break forward Ferhat Saglam finished well on a one on one situation with Tanzanian goalkeeper Aishi Manula to make it 1-0.

Tanzania tried to fight back strongly to find the goals Morice Abraham coming close, but to no avail.

Liechtenstein will now face Aruba in the final on Saturday. Aruba defeated Macau 4-1 in an earlier match played at the same Stadium. Tanzania will also take on Macau in the play-off match on Saturday.

Meanwhile, action shifts to Group A with Kenya facing Estonia, while hosts Rwanda battle Grenada in matches to be played at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday.

Eritrea have made a good start in the preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers.

The Red Sea Camels defeated Eswatini 2-0 in the first leg played on Wednesday night at the Stade d’Honneur in Morocco.

Ali Sulieman Ibrahim and skipper Ablelom Teklezghi netted two second half goals to ensure Eritrea carry the advantage going into the second leg on March 31^st.

The Egyptian based professional Ali Sulieman Ibrahim had his penalty saved in the first half, but came good to get his name on the score sheet later in the second half.

“I am happy that the players pushed and made sure we got this win. Now we need to prepare for the second leg on March 31^st,” said Eritrea’s coach Yakan.

Action in the AFCON 2027 preliminary round qualifiers continues today with Djibouti facing South Sudan at the Juba National Stadium.

On Friday three teams from the CECAFA Zone will be in action with Somalia facing Mauritius, Burundi playing away to Chad, and Ethiopia battling Sao Tome & Principe.

Teams that qualify from the preliminary stage will join the higher ranked teams to be drawn in the group qualifiers.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).