CAN 2027 preliminary round: Lesotho and Seychelles deadlocked, all to play for in the return leg

Neither side was able to seize the upper hand. Lesotho and Seychelles played to a stalemate (0-0) in the first leg of the preliminary round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This cagey opening encounter keeps the suspense alive ahead of the return fixture.

Played in Eritrea, the match saw no goals and no real dominance from either team. For 90 minutes, both sides sized each other up without finding a breakthrough. Defenses prevailed over attacking efforts, leaving the scoreline untouched. In a tightly contested and closed contest, neither team managed to break the deadlock in this opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Everything to play for in the return leg

With a goalless draw, neither team takes a decisive advantage. The tie remains perfectly balanced, and qualification will be decided entirely in the second leg.

Lesotho, however, can be optimistic, as they will host the return leg on home turf. This home advantage could prove decisive, both psychologically and on the pitch. Backed by their supporters, the team will have the chance to make the difference and secure their ticket to the next stage of the qualifiers.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.