Seven Eritrean footballers have failed to return home after their team's historic Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory in Eswatini, deepening a pattern of disappearances that has plagued the national team for years.

While the Eritrean squad secured a crucial win against Eswatini, only ten of the 24-man team were based in Eritrea. The seven players, including goalkeeper Kubrom Solomon and veteran winger Medhanie Redie, are reported to have absconded, sparking concerns among rights groups who describe Eritrea's government as highly repressive.

The government's state media has been unusually silent on the team's return, which was reportedly cancelled after news of the disappearances. Instead, a reception for returning players and staff was held in Cairo, Egypt, before their onward flight to Asmara. This follows a familiar pattern; over the last two decades, Eritrea's football teams at various levels have repeatedly been marred by players and even entire squads failing to return home after matches abroad.

This latest incident casts a long shadow over Eritrea's qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, raising questions about the team's future and the ongoing challenges faced by players seeking asylum.