Eritrean Footballers Vanish After AFCON Qualifier, Thought to Defect to More Prosperous Countries

Eritrean Footballers Vanish After AFCON Qualifier, Thought to Defect to More Prosperous Countries
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Eritrea has rejoined the AFCON qualifiers this year, marking their return since the 2008 tournament. The nation had earlier prevented its squads from competing overseas following the escape of various under-20 team members to Uganda back in 2019.

The bulk of those involved were reserve players, Yakan explained to Reuters. These individuals have remained absent since the return fixture on 31 March, and the manager indicated he suspects they seek employment prospects in more affluent nations.

I doubt they will persist in professional football, remarked Yakan, a past defender for Egypt who played in the 1990 World Cup.

Eritrea secured a 2-0 victory in the opening match held in Morocco, as the home side lacks facilities compliant with Confederation of African Football standards for global games.

Featuring a roster with athletes from teams in Australia, Germany, Norway, and Sweden, the country achieved a 4-1 overall triumph by defeating Eswatini 2-1 at Somhlolo National Stadium on 31 March.

George Ghebreslassie, an Eritrean who fled the country and now manages a charity aiding refugees from Eritrea, verified the departures.

Such incidents occur frequently, noted Ghebreslassie, who escaped in 1999.

This reflects the dire circumstances in Eritrea. We hoped for improvements, yet conditions remain unchanged. Citizens feel increasingly despairing in their homeland.

Eritreas Minister of Information, Yemane Gebremeskel, refrained from responding when approached by Reuters. An official from the Eritrean National Football Federation ignored an email inquiry for details.

These athletes come from impoverished backgrounds. It marked their initial experience with air travel, shared a team insider. Their goal centres on securing jobs and boosting earnings.

Under President Isaias Afwerki since gaining independence in 1993, Eritrea faces ongoing criticism from rights organisations for its authoritarian regime.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly organised by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.