Eritrean Footballers Disappear After AFCON Qualifier

Seven players from Eritrea's national football team have gone missing following their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying victory over Eswatini on March 31, 2023. Coach Hesham Yakan confirmed the players' disappearance, stating that most of them were substitutes and likely seeking better economic opportunities abroad. This incident marks a significant moment as Eritrea returned to AFCON qualifiers for the first time since 2008, having previously restricted its teams from traveling internationally.

Seven Eritrean players flee after AFCON qualifier, says head coach Hesham YakaReuters

Eritrea's national team had not participated in AFCON qualifiers since 2008 due to government restrictions on international travel. The last notable incident occurred in 2019 when several players from the under-20 squad defected to Uganda. The recent match against Eswatini was played in Morocco, as Eritrea lacks a stadium that meets the Confederation of African Football's requirements for international fixtures. The team secured a 4-1 aggregate victory in the qualifiers, with a 2-0 win in the first leg and a 2-1 win in the second leg.

Seven Eritrean players flee after AFCON qualifier, says head coach Hesham Yaka

The missing players are believed to have left in search of better economic prospects. A source close to the team noted that this was their first experience flying, emphasizing their financial struggles. "These players are poor. It was their first time flying," the source stated. George Ghebreslassie, an Eritrean exile and activist, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the hopelessness many feel in Eritrea under President Isaias Afwerki's long-standing regime, which has been criticized for its repressive policies.

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Eritrea's Minister of Information, Yemane Gebremeskel, declined to comment on the situation when approached by Reuters. Additionally, the Eritrean National Football Federation did not respond to requests for comment regarding the missing players.

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Human rights organizations have consistently condemned the Eritrean government for its oppressive policies, which contribute to the dire economic conditions prompting players to flee. Ghebreslassie remarked, "It shows the kind of situation we have in Eritrea. We thought things would change, but nothing has changed."

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The incident raises concerns about the future of Eritrean football and the safety of its players. As the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the implications of this disappearance may affect the national team's participation and the broader narrative surrounding Eritrean athletes.

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• “Most of them are substitute players,” — Hesham Yakan, Coach of Eritrea's National Football Team

Seven Eritrean players flee after AFCON qualifier, says head coach Hesham Yaka

• “It shows the kind of situation we have in Eritrea. We thought things would change, but nothing has changed. People have become hopeless in their own country.” — George Ghebreslassie, Eritrean Exile and Activist

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• “These players are poor. It was their first time flying,” — Source close to the team

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