Eritrea is poised to play its first international football match in more than six years after entering the preliminary round of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Back On The Continental Stage
The Red Sea nation was drawn on Tuesday to face Eswatini over two legs in March. The fixtures will mark Eritrea’s return to competitive international football after a prolonged absence from both World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.
Why Eritrea Stepped Away
Eritrea has repeatedly declined to participate in international competitions due to concerns over player defections during overseas trips. Between 2007 and 2019, players and officials defected after matches in countries including Angola, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Botswana. An estimated 80 footballers fled while on national duty, prompting authorities to bar teams from travelling abroad.
Signal Of a Shift
The decision to enter the 2027 qualifiers suggests a change in approach after Eritrea withdrew from the previous AFCON qualifying cycle. If they fulfil their fixtures, it will mark the first Africa Cup of Nations in which all 54 CAF member associations take part.
Format And Fixtures
The preliminary round features the continent’s 12 lowest-ranked teams competing in six home-and-away ties, with winners advancing to the group stage alongside Africa’s top 42 nations. Eritrea, currently unranked by FIFA due to inactivity over the past 48 months, will host the first leg against Eswatini. The matches are scheduled between March 25 and 31.
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