Eswatini (Swaziland)

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is newsworthy due to its participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Specifically, the Eritrean national team will end an 18-year AFCON isolation by playing Eswatini in a qualifier match for the 2027 tournament. The match is significant as it marks Eritrea's return to the competition after a long absence. The game will be held in Meknes, Morocco, due to Eritrea not having a CAF approved stadium. This event highlights Eswatini's continued involvement in regional sporting events and its role in African football. The match is a preliminary round first leg.