Seven Eritrean Players Go Missing After International Match

A Surprising Turn of Events

Seven members of the Eritrean national football team, who recently celebrated a significant victory in Eswatini, have not returned home, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Despite several teammates returning from South Africa, reports indicate that these seven players did not join them on the flight.

Historical Context

Occurrences of Eritrean athletes not returning after international competitions are not new. Over the past few years, numerous instances have been reported where Eritreans competing in various sports have chosen to remain abroad.

Human rights organizations have described the Eritrean government in Asmara as extremely oppressive—a claim the authorities have denied. In spite of its limited population, Eritrea has seen hundreds of thousands of its citizens seeking refuge in other countries.

Impact on the Team

The absence of these players is a setback for the Eritrean squad, especially after their successful 2-1 win in Eswatini and an aggregate score of 4-1, marking their return to the qualifying rounds for the Africa Cup of Nations after 19 years.

From the original 24-player squad, only 10 were based in Eritrea, and just three, including team captain Ablelom Teklezghi, have returned home according to sources in Asmara.

Current Speculations

Although the exact whereabouts of the missing players are unclear, reports suggest that some may have been sighted in South Africa. Notable names among those who have gone missing include goalkeeper Kubrom Solomon and veteran winger Medhanie Redie.

In a surprising twist, state-run media in Eritrea have remained uncharacteristically silent regarding the team’s return, usually a celebrated event.

Cancelled Celebrations

Prior preparations for a celebratory reception upon the team’s return were reportedly scrapped after news of the players’ absconding broke. A spokesperson from Eritrea’s Sport and Culture Commission has been sharing updates about the team’s progress on social media, including pictures of players returning via Egypt, where the Eritrean embassy held a reception.

Fan Reactions

Fans of Eritrean football had hoped that the team’s triumph in Eswatini might herald a resurgence in the national sport, but the news of player absences echoes past events that have plagued Eritrean athletics.

Over the years, the national team has experienced numerous incidents where players or entire squads have disappeared before or after international fixtures.

Notable Incidents

• In 2019, seven Eritrean U20 players went missing following a championship match in Uganda.
• During a World Cup qualifier in Botswana in 2015, 10 players chose not to return.
• In 2017, 15 players and the team doctor obtained asylum in Uganda after fleeing.
• In 2009, virtually the entire senior squad did not return home from Kenya, leaving only the coach and a single official behind.

Conclusion

The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding player welfare and the broader implications of the political climate in Eritrea. Many await news about the missing players and hope these events do not overshadow the national team’s achievements.