Eritrea to End 18-Year AFCON Isolation vs Eswatini

Eritrea to End 18-Year AFCON Isolation vs Eswatini

Eritrea will end an 18-year absence from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when they host Eswatini in a qualifier for the 2027 tournament. The match, set to take place in Meknes, Morocco, marks a significant step forward for Eritrean football, which has faced challenges including player defections and political issues. Eritrea's last competitive international match was a World Cup qualifying defeat seven years ago.

Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, will face Eritrea in their third-ever encounter, with both matches ending in goalless draws. The 24-man Eritrean squad includes local players and those abroad, highlighting the country's effort to rebuild its national team. The match is also a milestone for coach Hesham Yakan, who recently took over following Ermias Tewelde's replacement.

Despite their lack of recent match practice, Eritrea aims to make a strong impression in the qualifiers.