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Seven Eritrean players missing after Eswatini triumph
Seven members of Eritrea's national football squad have disappeared following last week's landmark victory in Eswatini, a source familiar with the team told the BBC on Tuesday.
Team's return marred by disappearances
While part of the squad flew back from South Africa-the final stop on their journey-seven players failed to board the flight to Eritrea. The group includes goalkeeper Kubrom Solomon and veteran winger Medhanie Redie, according to reports.
Only 10 of the 24-player roster were based in Eritrea before the trip. Of those, just three, including captain Abelom Teklezghi, have returned to Asmara, sources confirmed.
State media silent on celebrations
Eritrea's state-run media outlets have not reported on the team's return, breaking from past practice where victories were met with public fanfare. Preparations for a welcome-home event were reportedly canceled after news of the disappearances emerged.
A spokesperson for Eritrea's Sport and Culture Commission shared photos on social media of returning players and staff during a stopover in Cairo, where the Eritrean embassy hosted a reception. However, the images only featured those who later continued to Asmara.
Pattern of defections continues
The incident echoes a long-standing trend of Eritrean athletes seeking asylum abroad. Over the past two decades, entire squads or large groups of players have vanished during international tournaments.
- In 2019, seven under-20 players disappeared after a regional championship in Uganda.
- In 2015, 10 senior team members refused to return from a World Cup qualifier in Botswana.
- In 2013, 15 players and the team doctor were granted asylum in Uganda.
- In 2009, nearly the entire senior squad remained in Kenya after a match.
Human rights organizations describe Eritrea's government as highly repressive, a claim authorities deny. Despite its small population, hundreds of thousands of Eritreans have fled the country seeking asylum.
Historic qualification overshadowed
The team's 2-1 win in Eswatini, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory, marked Eritrea's return to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group stage for the first time in 19 years. Fans had hoped the achievement would revive Eritrean football, but the latest disappearances have dampened the celebration.
"For many Eritreans, this news carries a familiar sense of disappointment," a source close to the team said.
Uncertain future for missing players
It remains unclear where the seven players have gone, though reports suggest some were seen in South Africa. Their absence leaves the national team's prospects uncertain as it prepares for upcoming qualifiers.
