Eritrea’s AFCON place in doubt after players disappear in South Africa
Al Jazeera·2h ago·Neutral
What Happened
Seven of Eritrea's ten local footballers disappeared after their 4-1 aggregate victory over Eswatini on March 31, which secured them a spot in AFCON qualifiers. The players went missing when the team arrived in South Africa en route to Eritrea via Egypt. Missing players include goalkeepers Kibrom Solomon and Awet Maharena, defenders, and midfielder Medhane Redie. Only three local players returned to Asmara. This marks another instance of Eritrean athletes seeking asylum abroad during international competition.
Key Entities
Eritrea national football teamAFCON (Africa Cup of Nations)EswatiniSouth AfricaEgyptHesham YakanAli SuleimanKibrom SolomonAwet MaharenaMedhane RedieAmanuel BenhurCAF (Confederation of African Football)President Isaias Afwerki2027 Cup of Nations finals