MBABANE-(MaraviPost)-What began as a triumphant chapter for Eritrean football has taken a dramatic and troubling turn, after seven national team players reportedly disappeared following a recent trip to Eswatini.

The players had travelled to Eswatini to take part in the preliminary round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Eritrea delivered a stunning performance that reignited hope among their supporters.

In a match that will be remembered for years, Eritrea defeated Eswatini 4-1, securing a crucial step toward qualification and marking their return to continental relevance after 19 years in the shadows.

However, the celebrations were short lived as reports soon emerged that several members of the squad had gone missing shortly after the team’s assignment.

Out of the 10 Eritrea based players who made the trip, only three returned home, leaving seven unaccounted for and sparking widespread concern.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the missing players may have crossed into South Africa, a country that has long been linked to similar incidents involving Eritrean athletes seeking better opportunities.

This is not the first time Eritrea has faced such a situation, as players have previously used international assignments as an opportunity to defect, citing difficult conditions back home.

The recurring nature of these incidents has, in the past, forced Eritrea to withdraw from various international competitions, raising questions about the sustainability of their football development.

Despite the growing speculation, the Eritrea Football Federation has remained silent on the matter, offering no official statement regarding the whereabouts of the players.

The silence has only deepened the mystery, leaving fans and observers wondering whether this is another case of defection or something more complex.