By Dylan Bettencourt
- Seven football players from Eritrea disappeared in South Africa while travelling home after playing a match in Eswatini in March.
- The United Nations says many sports players run away from Eritrea to avoid doing endless military service back at home.
Seven football players from Eritrea have disappeared in South Africa. They went missing while travelling home after an Africa Cup of Nations match in Eswatini.
Only three of the 10 local players in the national team flew back to Eritrea.
A Confederation of African Football official told the AFP news agency about the missing players on Wednesday. The official asked not to be named.
The team beat Eswatini on 31 March. They were meant to fly from Eswatini to Eritrea, passing through South Africa and Egypt.
“We believe all the players left Eswatini for South Africa. But when the travelling party landed in Cairo, seven players were missing,” the official said.
An Eritrean person living in South Africa said he saw some of the players in Johannesburg. He would not give more details because he is scared for his safety.
The missing group includes goalkeepers Kibrom Solomon and Awet Maharena, as well as defenders Wedeb Fessehaye, Yosief Tsegay and Nahom Awet. Midfielder Medhane Redie and striker Amanuel Benhur also vanished.
Only team captain Ablelom Teklezghi, midfielder Nahom Tadese and striker Romel Abdu went back to the capital city, Asmara.
The United Nations says about 80 Eritrean football players, coaches and officials have run away over the past 20 years.
Many people say these athletes run away to avoid endless military service. In Eritrea, people are forced into the military after finishing school.
President Isaias Afwerki has run the country since 1993. Human rights groups say his rule is harsh. During a visit to Kenya three years ago, Afwerki said these claims were not true.
Eritrea has 14 players based in other countries. The team won their two matches against Eswatini to qualify for the main tournament. This was their first Africa Cup of Nations match since 2007.
Pictured above: The Eritrean national football team celebrating.
Image source: CAF
