What should have been a moment of pure national pride has instead spiraled into confusion, concern, and renewed scrutiny. Eritrea’s long-awaited return to the Africa Cup of Nations qualification spotlight has been overshadowed by a shocking development—seven members of the national team have reportedly failed to return home following their victory over Eswatini national football team.
The incident unfolded after Eritrea secured a hard-fought 2–1 away win, sealing a 4–1 aggregate triumph and booking their place in the AFCON qualifying group stage for the first time in 19 years. It was a result that should have marked a turning point for Eritrea national football team—a rare bright moment for a side that has long struggled for consistency and visibility on the continental stage.
But within days, the narrative shifted dramatically.
According to sources close to the squad, only a portion of the delegation made the journey back toward Eritrea, traveling through South Africa. Seven players, however, are believed to have absconded during the return process, with their exact whereabouts still unknown. Early indications suggest that some of them may still be within South African borders.
The seven Eritrea players
The scale of the situation becomes even more striking when placed in context. Of the 24-man squad that made the trip, only 10 players were based in Eritrea. Even more telling, just three of those home-based players including captain Ablelom Teklezghi have reportedly made it back to Asmara.
Among those missing are key figures such as goalkeeper Kubrom Solomon and experienced winger Medhanie Redie, players who played important roles in the team’s qualification run. Their absence not only raises questions about the immediate future of the squad but also casts a shadow over what was supposed to be a historic achievement.
Back home, the mood has shifted from celebration to uncertainty. State-run media have offered limited details regarding the team’s return, and plans to host an official reception for the players were reportedly shelved as news of the disappearances began to circulate.
Images released by officials showed parts of the delegation being welcomed by embassy representatives and members of the Eritrean community during a stopover in Cairo. However, those present in the photos were only the players who continued the journey back home leaving a noticeable gap in what should have been a full-team celebration.
Afcon celebration
While shocking, this is far from an isolated incident. Eritrean football has a long and troubling history of players failing to return after international assignments. In 2019, seven members of the country’s under-20 side disappeared following a tournament in Uganda. In 2015, ten senior players declined to return home after a World Cup qualifier in Botswana. Even earlier, in 2013, 15 players and a team doctor were granted asylum in Uganda, while in 2009, nearly the entire senior squad failed to return after a trip to Kenya.
This recurring pattern continues to raise broader questions that extend far beyond football touching on issues of player welfare, migration, and the realities faced by athletes representing the nation abroad.
For now, Eritrea’s historic qualification remains intact but its joy has been deeply diluted. What should have been remembered as a triumphant return to continental relevance is now entangled in uncertainty and concern.
As investigations and inquiries continue, one question lingers over African football: how does a moment of glory turn, so quickly, into yet another chapter of disappearance?
