Eritrea is set to make a long-awaited return to international football as they end nearly two decades of absence from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, marking a significant moment for the nation’s sporting history.
The East African side will face Eswatini in the preliminary round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the first leg scheduled to take place in Meknes. The match has been relocated due to Eritrea’s lack of an international-standard stadium, highlighting ongoing infrastructural challenges.
Nicknamed the Red Sea Camels, Eritrea have not participated in AFCON competition since their last qualifier in 2008. Their prolonged absence has never been officially explained, but it has widely been linked to players defecting while on international duty. According to estimates by the United Nations, dozens of Eritrean footballers and coaches have sought asylum abroad over the years, citing political repression and mandatory military service.
The country, led by President Isaias Afwerki since independence in 1993, has often been criticized by human rights organizations for its governance, factors that have indirectly affected its football development and international participation.
Despite these challenges, Eritrea is now signaling a fresh start. Football federation president Paulos Andemariam confirmed that discussions with the government paved the way for the country’s re-entry into the competition, expressing optimism about assembling a competitive squad, including players from the diaspora.
The team will be guided by new head coach Hesham Yakan, a former Zamalek defender and ex-international for Egypt. The squad blends local talent with players based in countries such as England, Germany, and Australia, including forward Siem Eyob-Abraha and striker Ali Sulieman, who are expected to lead the attack.
However, Eritrea faces a major hurdle due to lack of match practice, having not played a competitive international fixture in several years. This inactivity has even seen them excluded from global rankings by FIFA.
Their opponents, Eswatini, are also chasing history, having failed to qualify for AFCON in all previous attempts. The return leg will be played on March 31, with the aggregate winner advancing to the group stage.
The broader 2027 AFCON tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—a landmark collaboration for East African football.
As Eritrea steps back onto the continental stage, their return represents more than just football—it signals a
renewed ambition to reconnect with the international sporting community after years of isolation.
