Eritrea's Defection Crisis Haunts Afcon Qualifier vs South Africa

Ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Bafana at Cairo's Al-Salam Stadium, Eritrean players face severe risks due to unbearable domestic conditions and indefinite military service. Fear of mass desertions has historically forced national sports authorities to withdraw the team from major tournaments like the World Cup and Afcon qualifiers. To avoid defections during international away matches, local officials have increasingly opted for diaspora players in recent times; seven players were reported missing after Eritrea played against Eswatini earlier this year. Currently ranked 184th globally but 50th on the continent, key squad members include striker Ali Sulieman and midfielder Tesfaldet Tekie.