In a significant development for Eritrean football, the national team will end an 18-year absence from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Eritrea is set to host Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, in Meknes, Morocco, for their first qualifier for the 2027 tournament.
Eritrea’s Return to AFCON
The match will take place at the Stade d’Honneur, which accommodates 20,000 spectators. This venue was chosen as Eritrea does not possess an international-standard stadium. The return match will be held in Eswatini on March 31, 2024.
Historical Context
Eritrea’s national team, known as the Red Sea Camels, last participated in the premier African competition in 2008. Their absence from subsequent tournaments has not been officially explained, though it is believed that political repression and military service compelled many players to seek asylum abroad.
Defections and Governance
The United Nations estimates that around 80 Eritrean footballers and coaches have defected in recent years. Eritrea has been ruled by President Isaias Afwerki since its independence from Ethiopia in 1993. Human rights organizations frequently characterize his regime as highly repressive.
Leadership Developments
Before this landmark match, Eritrean National Football Federation President Paulos Andemariam announced the team’s intention to qualify for the 2027 AFCON. He expressed confidence in the squad’s strength, which includes players residing outside Africa.
Team Composition and Coaching
The squad features 24 players, with 10 from local leagues and others representing Eritrea in countries like Australia, Germany, and Egypt. Recent coaching changes have brought Hesham Yakan, a former defender for the Egyptian club Zamalek, to lead the team. He replaced Ermias Tewelde.
- Siem Eyob-Abraha, currently with Sheffield United, is notable for his past association with Manchester United.
- Ali Sulieman, also based in Egypt, is expected to be a key player against Eswatini.
Challenges Ahead
Eritrea faces considerable challenges as they prepare for the match. They have not participated in competitive play for seven years, with their last game being a World Cup qualifier that ended in defeat against Namibia.
FIFA has excluded Eritrea from national team rankings due to inactivity. Meanwhile, Eswatini, positioned 46th in Africa and 159th globally, has also struggled in AFCON qualifiers, having failed in 16 attempts.
Coaching Changes in Eswatini
Eswatini recently appointed Sifiso Ntibane as head coach, following a disappointing performance in World Cup qualifiers. His squad includes 13 local players and others from South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
2027 Cup of Nations Context
This qualifier marks the beginning of a longer journey leading to the 2027 AFCON, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Other preliminary ties are also underway, although some teams face restrictions due to inadequate home facilities.
Both Eritrea and Eswatini look ahead with hopes of overcoming their past struggles as they compete for a chance to reach the AFCON group stage.
