Why do footballers from Eritrea keep defecting? A look at the history…

Seven Eritrea national team players have defected in South Africa following their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round win over Eswatini.

Eritrea continued their dream return from a long hiatus by advancing to the group stage of qualifying for the 2027 #TotalEnergiesAFCON.

Ali Suleiman scored twice in a 2-1 victory at Eswatini to complete a 4-1 aggregate win.#AFCON #AFCON2027 #AFCONQ #AFCON2027Q pic.twitter.com/k6WoY8m682

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) March 31, 2026

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The seven locally based players failed to return to their country and are expected to seek asylum in South Africa. Pan-Africa Football takes a look at incidents in which Eritrean players have defected while on national team or club duty.

The desertion of players from Eritrea is not a new phenomenon, as more than 60 players have failed to return to the East African nation since 2007.

Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after an Eritrean People’s Liberation Front–led referendum, in which 99.81% of the population voted to secede from Ethiopia. The national team has been competing in continental competitions since the early 1990s, but recent defections have limited the team’s participation.

Here are some notable incidents involving Eritrean player defections:

2006

Four players from Red Sea FC sought asylum in Kenya after their game in the CAF Champions League. Red Sea FC were Eritrea’s torchbearers in the Champions League but lost 4-1 on aggregate to Kenyan side Tusker FC.

2007

Following their 6-1 defeat to Angola in the 2008 AFCON qualifier, six Eritrean players defected. In the same year, during the CECAFA Championship in Tanzania, 12 players defected.

2009

For two years, Eritrean authorities restricted the national team’s participation in continental competitions, but in the 2009 CECAFA Championship, 12 players sought asylum in Kenya. Eleven of them managed to obtain refugee status in Australia, where left-back Samuel Ghebrehiwet and center-back Ambesager Sium continued their careers.

2011

After Red Sea exited the 2011 Kagame Cup in the quarter-finals, losing to Young Africans 6-5 in a penalty shootout, 13 players defected from the team’s hotel.

2012

Following a poor outing in the CECAFA Championship in Uganda, 18 players of the Red Sea Camels and the team doctor vanished.

2013

In another CECAFA Championship edition in Kenya, nine players failed to return. The team finished at the bottom of the tournament after three consecutive defeats.

2015

Ten national team players defected after the second leg of their 2018 FIFA World Cup African Qualifier against Botswana. They were initially detained but later released.

2019

Eritrea had an impressive run during the 2019 CECAFA U-20 Championship, securing third place. Four players from that team defected in September 2019. A month later, the national team surprised many fans by reaching the final of the 2019 CECAFA Championship, where they lost 3-0 to hosts Uganda. Seven national team players defected during that period.

2021

In the 2021 CECAFA U-20 Women Championship, five players went missing in Uganda.

2026

Eritrea returned to the AFCON qualifiers after a 19-year absence. The Red Sea Camels defeated Eswatini 4-1 on aggregate, but only three of the ten locally based players returned to their country.

Pan-Africa Football understands that the players who went missing in South Africa are Wedeb Fisshaye (Al Tahrir), Kibrom Solomon (Denden), Yoseif Tsegaye (Denden), Awet Meharena (Red Sea), Nahom Awet (Denden), Benhur Amanuel (Red Sea), and Medhanie Redae (Red Sea).

Three locally based players returned to Asmara, the capital of Eritrea: national team captain Ablelom Teklezgi, Denden midfielder Nahom Tadese, and striker Romel Abdu. Teklezgi scored the decisive opener against Eswatini in the first leg of the AFCON qualifier.

The Eritrean National Football Federation (ENFF) has yet to issue a statement regarding the recent defection. ENFF president Paulos Weldehaymanot recently stated that the country would continue to play the qualifying matches. With a large diaspora contingent being called up to the national team, ENFF hopes to curb defections. During the recent AFCON qualifier, ENFF called up 14 foreign-based players.

Why do players defect from Eritrea?

The main reason Eritrean footballers defect is to escape difficult conditions in their country. When teams travel abroad, it is one of the rare opportunities they have to leave safely.

Indefinite national service, economic hardship, travel restrictions, and strict state control are common driving factors for defection. Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki has led the country since independence, and his political leadership is often criticized by the opposition for stifling freedom of speech, limiting democracy, encouraging mass emigration, and causing economic stagnation.

À l’approche d’un nouveau choc entre le Bayern Munich et le Real Madrid en Ligue des Champions, un regard dans le rétroviseur s’impose. Lors de leur dernière confrontation en mai 2024, les deux géants européens avaient offert un duel intense en demi-finale retour, conclu par une victoire madrilène (2-1). Retour sur les rescapés de cette confrontation. Deux ans plus tard, plusieurs cadres de cette rencontre sont toujours présents. Côté madrilène, des piliers comme Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo ou encore Federico Valverde incarnent la continuité. En défense, Antonio Rüdiger reste un leader, tandis qu’Aurélien Tchouaméni et Édouardo Camavinga continuent de s’imposer dans l’entrejeu. Au Bayern, la stabilité s’observe également avec Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, Konrad Laimer, Alphonso Davies et Harry Kane, toujours au cœur du projet bavarois. En revanche, certains visages ont disparu. Le Real Madrid a vu partir Toni Kroos (retraité) et Nacho Fernández (FC Qadsiah). Côté allemand, la défense a été remaniée avec les départs de Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui et Eric Dier. Ce choc à venir s’annonce donc comme un mélange d’expérience et de renouveau, où les rescapés de 2024 tenteront encore de faire la différence.

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The NWU Eagles ran in seven tries to thrash Maties in Monday’s Varsity Cup semi-final in Potchefstroom.

The teams were deadlocked at 10-10 at half-time but the Eagles soared after the break to triumph 50-10 and maintain their unbeaten record at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground this season.

Maties started strongly and led through a try by prop Janlu Basson, converted by flyhalf Christiaan van Heerden Smith.

First blood to the Maroon Machine! Janlu Basson scores the opener in Potchefstroom after sustained pressure from @MatiesSport.#RugbyThatRocks #WhosNXT pic.twitter.com/t905bjCDvi

— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 6, 2026

The hosts replied with a penalty by flyhalf MJ Mostert as their forward dominance started to tell.

In the 25th minute, the Eagles finally breached Maties’ defensive lines through No 8 Sean Roulston, with Mostert adding the extras.

Shortly before half-time, Smith’s penalty goal drew the hosts level.

The Maroon Machine then suffered a blow when scrumhalf and captain Ezekiel Ngobeni was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle.

The Eagles came out all guns blazing after the break, scoring six tries and 40 unanswered points.

The charge down and the @theNWU Eagles take the lead in the first semi-final! Jordan McLoughlin goes over and the Fanie Du Toit erupts!#RugbyThatRocks #WhosNXT pic.twitter.com/PrFeTfh4OC

— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 6, 2026

Left wing Logan Janeke helped himself to a brace, including collecting and finishing off a stunning cross-kick by Mostert.

There were also tries for hooker Jordan Mcloughlin, lock Stephan Krugel, and replacements Jamaine Dampies and Gary Otto.

Pinpoint crosskick from MJ Mostert and Logan Janeke runs in uncontested to score in the corner. The @theNWU Eagles spreading their wings in Potch!#RugbyThatRocks #WhosNXT pic.twitter.com/Auqv6btYfw

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— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 6, 2026

Mostert finished with six conversions and a penalty for a match haul of 15 points.

The show and go from substitute scrummie Gary Otto and he puts the nail in the coffin as the @theNWU Eagles punish the Maroon Machine!#RugbyThatRocks #WhosNXT pic.twitter.com/1mSXwc7qSn

— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 6, 2026

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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The European season builds toward a thrilling crescendo as the quarterfinal first legs arrive across UEFA’s three major club competitions – UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. With heavyweight clashes and compelling underdog narratives, the coming midweek slate promises drama, intensity and defining moments.

In the UEFA Champions League, all eyes will be drawn to the blockbuster meeting between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. This is a fixture steeped in history, pitting two of Europe’s most decorated clubs against one another once more.

Bayern striker Harry Kane captured the magnitude of the occasion: “It’s going to be a big game for sure. Bayern Munich against Real Madrid, two of the biggest teams in Europe, in the quarter-finals. We’ll prepare like we do for every game. We’ll look at their strengths and weaknesses and try to exploit them. We have a way of playing that doesn’t change much, no matter who we play. It’ll be no different in the quarter-finals.”

With both sides boasting elite attacking talent and vast experience, fine margins could decide the tie.

Elsewhere, Sporting CP take on Arsenal in what shapes as a fascinating tactical duel. Arsenal’s return to Europe’s latter stages has been marked by composure and control, but Sporting’s energy and attacking verve make them dangerous opponents, particularly on home soil.

Another all-Spanish showdown sees Barcelona face Atletico Madrid. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick struck a cautious tone ahead of the tie: “The next round also looks like it will be very difficult. We have to go step by step, match by match; that’s what we did last season and will do again.” Atletico’s defensive resilience and counterattacking threat ensure this will be a tightly contested affair.

Meanwhile, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain renew hostilities with Liverpool in a high-stakes rematch. PSG are aiming to eliminate Liverpool for the second successive season, and their blend of attacking flair and big-game experience makes them formidable. Liverpool, however, will be driven by revenge and their own European pedigree.

In the UEFA Europa League, attention turns to Bologna against Aston Villa. Bologna’s rise has been one of the stories of the season, but Villa arrive with continental ambition and a squad capable of going deep. The clash promises an intriguing contrast in styles and experience.

Equally compelling is Porto versus Nottingham Forest. Forest’s European adventure comes amid a difficult domestic campaign, with the club embroiled in a relegation battle in the Premier League.

Head coach Vítor Pereira remains optimistic: “When we win, the spirit and energy is different. The boys deserve it, because they are a fantastic group. I don’t have any doubt that we have the quality to achieve our targets. I want to thank our supporters, because they deserve to keep going in this Europa League.” Porto’s pedigree in European competition ensures a stern test.

In the UEFA Conference League, Crystal Palace meet Fiorentina in a tie shaped by contrasting pressures. Palace are enjoying a memorable European run, while Fiorentina are battling relegation concerns in Serie A.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner acknowledged the challenge: “A huge achievement. Our next competitive game is against Fiorentina. We will have a few days off, many of the players will go to their national teams, and then we will prepare, we will have a friendly to get back in the rhythm. Hopefully, our European journey continues.”

Across all three competitions, the stakes are immense. With first-leg advantages crucial, expect bold approaches, tactical nuance and moments of brilliance as Europe’s elite chase continental glory.

UEFA Champions League, Quarterfinal, first legs

Tuesday, 7 April

21:00: Real Madrid v Bayern Munich – LIVE on SuperSport Variety, SuperSport GOtv Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

21:00: Sporting CP v Arsenal – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 1

Wednesday, 8 April

21:00: Barcelona v Atletico Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport Variety, SuperSport GOtv Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

21:00: PSG v Liverpool – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 1

UEFA Europa League, Quarterfinal, first legs

Wednesday, 8 April

18:45: Braga v Real Betis – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

Thursday, 9 April

21:00: Freiburg v Celta Vigo – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport Africa 2

21:00: Bologna v Aston Villa – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport GOtv Football and SuperSport Maximo 2

21:00: Porto v Nottingham – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport GOtv Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360

UEFA Conference League, Quarterfinal, first legs

Thursday, 9 April

21:00: Crystal Palace v Fiorentina – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

The post Catch blockbuster 2025/26 UEFA Champions League and Europa League quarterfinals on SuperSport – only on DStv & GOtv appeared first on SportsAfrica - Sports news | Live scores | Match highlights | Betting tips.

Le Bayern Munich peut s’appuyer sur deux joueurs expérimentés et emblématiques : Joshua Kimmich et Manuel Neuer. Ensemble, ils cumulent plus de 1000 apparitions sous le maillot bavarois, symbole de leur engagement et de leur fidélité au club. Des statistiques impressionnantes Joshua Kimmich, milieu de terrain polyvalent, a disputé près de 550 matchs pour le Bayern, marqué plus d’une trentaine de buts et délivré de nombreuses passes décisives. Il a remporté plusieurs titres avec le club, dont la Ligue des Champions 2020. Manuel Neuer, gardien titulaire, a quant à lui joué plus de 500 rencontres, remportant également la Ligue des Champions 2020. Son expérience et ses performances font de lui un pilier de l’équipe depuis de nombreuses années. Un duo clé pour le Bayern Kimmich et Neuer forment un duo essentiel pour le Bayern. Leur expérience dans les grandes rencontres, notamment en Ligue des Champions, contribue fortement au succès du club. Ensemble, ils représentent l’un des binômes les plus solides et influents du football mondial.

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