Burundi and Ethiopia seal AFCON 2027 progress with commanding displays

Burundi and Ethiopia booked their places in the next round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers after completing convincing aggregate victories in Tuesday’s preliminary second-leg matches.

Burundi thrashed Chad 4-0 to seal an emphatic 8-0 aggregate win, while Ethiopia edged Sao Tome and Principe 1-0 to progress comfortably with a 4-0 aggregate scoreline.

Burundi complete rout against Chad

Burundi underlined their dominance with another commanding performance against Chad, following their 4-0 first-leg victory.

Playing with confidence and control, the Swallows took charge early and never looked back. Bienvenue Kanakimana opened the scoring in the 14th minute, finishing off a move created by Jordi Liongola, before doubling his tally just eight minutes later to effectively end the contest before half-time.

With a 2-0 lead at the break and a commanding aggregate advantage, Burundi maintained their intensity in the second half. Justin Girumugisha added a third in the 70th minute, capitalising on sustained pressure, before Abdoul Karim rounded off the scoring with ten minutes remaining.

The result capped a dominant two-legged display by Burundi, who outclassed Chad in all departments to secure their place in the next stage of the qualifiers.

Having already dismantled their opponents in the first leg in N’Djamena, Burundi showed consistency and clinical finishing to ensure there was no route back for the hosts.

Ethiopia finish the job at home

Ethiopia also completed a professional assignment, building on their 3-0 first-leg victory over Sao Tome and Principe with a controlled 1-0 win in the return leg.

Early pressure paid off when Chernet Gugsaa found the breakthrough in the seventh minute, converting from close range after an assist by Tafesse M.

That early goal effectively ended any lingering hopes of a comeback from Sao Tome, with Ethiopia managing the game efficiently thereafter.

While the second half produced no further goals, Ethiopia remained organised and disciplined, ensuring their opponents were kept at bay throughout the encounter.

The performance reflected the composure and tactical structure that has defined their campaign so far.

First-leg advantage proves decisive

Both teams had already placed one foot in the next round following strong first-leg performances.

Burundi’s 4-0 win away in Chad and Ethiopia’s 3-0 victory in Sao Tome had given them significant cushions heading into the return fixtures.

Those advantages allowed both sides to approach the second legs with confidence and control, ultimately sealing qualification without major scares.

Momentum for the next stage

For Burundi and Ethiopia, progression to the next phase represents a significant step in their quest to reach the AFCON 2027 finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Their performances across both legs will provide encouragement as they prepare to face stronger opposition in the upcoming rounds.

Burundi’s attacking sharpness and Ethiopia’s defensive discipline highlight two teams growing in belief and organisation.

As the qualifiers intensify, both nations will be aiming to carry this momentum forward — knowing that tougher challenges lie ahead on the road to Africa’s biggest football tournament.