Eritrea returns to AFCON qualifiers after long absence
Eritrea is set to end its long absence from the Africa Cup of Nations by facing Eswatini in the first qualifier for the 2027 tournament. The match will take place in Meknes, Morocco, as Eritrea lacks an international-standard venue. The team, known as the Red Sea Camels, has not played in the competition since drawing a 2008 qualifier in Swaziland. The return marks a significant moment for Eritrean football after years of isolation.
Match highlights
- Eritrea will host Eswatini in Meknes, Morocco, in the first leg of the 2027 AFCON preliminary round.
- The return match will be staged by Eswatini on March 31, with the aggregate winners advancing to the group stage.
- Eritrea has not participated in the Africa Cup of Nations since a 2008 qualifier, missing nine subsequent tournaments.
- The squad includes both local players and Eritreans playing abroad, with key players like Siem Eyob-Abraha and Ali Sulieman expected to start.
- A lack of match practice could be a challenge for Eritrea, whose last competitive international was a World Cup qualifier in Namibia seven years ago.
