Eritrea ends an 18-year absence from AFCON qualifiers by hosting Eswatini in Morocco.
Eritrea will compete in its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in 18 years when it faces Eswatini on Wednesday in Meknes, Morocco. The match has been relocated from Eritrea due to the absence of an international-standard venue.
The preliminary round first leg at the Stade d’Honneur follows Eritrea's last competitive international, a World Cup qualifying defeat in Namibia in 2019. Eritrea, known as the Red Sea Camels, has not participated in the AFCON since drawing a qualifier in Swaziland in 2008.
Eritrea's Squad and New Leadership
Eritrea's squad includes 10 local players and others from countries such as Australia, Egypt, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, and Sweden. Striker Siem Eyob-Abraha, who plays for English second-tier club Sheffield United, and Egypt-based Ali Sulieman are expected to feature prominently.
Hesham Yakan, a former defender for Egypt's national team at the 1990 World Cup and Zamalek club, has taken over as head coach, replacing Ermias Tewelde. Yakan highlighted Sulieman's scoring ability, noting his quick left-footed style.
Eswatini, ranked 46th in Africa and 159th globally, will host the return match on March 31. The aggregate winners will join 12 four-nation mini-leagues in the group stage starting in September for the 2027 AFCON.
Eritrean football officials, led by National Football Federation President Paulos Andemariam, announced the team's return after discussions with the government. Andemariam stated that the squad will include many Eritreans playing abroad, aiming for a strong performance.
Other preliminary ties involve teams like Djibouti, Seychelles, Lesotho, and Sao Tome e Principe, who also face venue challenges. Meanwhile, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host the 2027 AFCON on dates yet to be confirmed.
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