Eritrea is back on the international stage!After a 19-year absence from either Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, this East African country returned to the spotlight in style, beating Eswatini 2-0 in the first leg of the preliminary phase of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.Eritrea national team, led by Egyptian head coach Hesham Yakan, win their first AFCON qualifier match in 19 years!#eritrea #afcon #ارتريا #امم_افريقيا #هشام_يكن pic.twitter.com/2L4jxFYZvD— Smashi Sports (@SmashiSports) March 26, 2026 Eritrea became independent in 1993, but joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) only in 1998. During the following decade, the popular Red Sea Camels participated in every edition of the AFCON qualifiers, but never secured their place in the tournament.However, given the country's massive internal problems, the national team faced a serious issue, as their players often refused to return to Eritrea after away games, seeking asylum abroad.The fact that they were forced to play home matches in foreign countries due to inadequate conditions did not improve Eritrea's situation.Senegal lodges an appeal, champion of Africa to be determined in courtOn the contrary, in order to prevent this exodus, the national team began withdrawing from the continental tournament qualifiers.Consequently, Eritrea missed nine consecutive Africa Cups of Nations before making a grand return with yesterday's win over Eswatini on neutral ground in Morocco. At the same time, that was their first victory in competitive games since December 2019, when they beat Harambee Stars 4-1 in the CECAFA Championship.Eritrea Take First-Leg Advantage Over EswatiniEritrea national football team coach Hesham Yakan praised his side after a rare 2-0 win over Eswatini national football team in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers preliminary round.Second-half substitutes made the difference, with Siem… pic.twitter.com/JGFKgNM4Jv— Football Intel Africa (@_footballintel) March 26, 2026 Heroes of the Red Sea Camels' triumph were two second-half substitutes, Siem Eyob, who broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, and Sulieman Ibrahim, who doubled the lead and redeemed himself for missing a penalty kick earlier in the game.The second leg is scheduled for next Tuesday in Eswatini (18.00). The winner of this clash will find its place in the main stage of the qualifiers and participate in the group stage draw alongside all the giants of African football.Welcome back, Eritrea! Good to see you!##NAJAVA_MECA_9627515##
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