Eritrea secured a 2-0 victory over Eswatini on March 25, 2023, at Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, Morocco, in the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 Preliminary Round qualifier.
The match saw Eritrea take the lead with a goal from Siem Eyob-Abraha in the 81st minute, followed by a second goal from Ali Suleiman just four minutes into added time. Despite their success, Eritrea missed a penalty during the match.
This victory is particularly significant as it marks Eritrea’s return to the AFCON after an 18-year absence, with their last participation dating back to a draw in a 2008 qualifier against Eswatini.
The return leg of the qualifier is scheduled for March 31, 2023, at Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, Eswatini. Eritrea’s team, which features a mix of local and diaspora players, is under the guidance of new coach Hesham Yakan.
Due to a lack of an international-standard venue in Eritrea, the match was held in Morocco, which has a seating capacity of 20,000 at Stade d’Honneur. This arrangement highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Eritrean football.
Prior to this match, Eritrea’s last competitive game against Eswatini was in September 2007, making this encounter a notable moment in their football history.
The match’s outcome has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike, as Eritrea looks to build momentum in their quest for qualification to the AFCON.
As the teams prepare for the return leg, both sides will be keen to capitalize on their respective strengths and strategies. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes to the lineups for the upcoming match.