Eritrea have reached the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 group stage after a 19-year absence, defeating Eswatini 4-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round. Forward Ali Sulieman, who plays for Egypt’s Kahrabaa Ismaila, scored three goals across the two legs.
Without a home stadium approved for international matches, Eritrea played their home leg in Morocco on March 25, 2026, winning 2-0 with goals from Sulieman and Siem Eyob-Abraha of Sheffield United. They secured a 2-1 away win in Eswatini, conceding only a 96th-minute consolation.
Ranked 184th by FIFA, Eritrea have played few matches in recent years, last participating in an AFCON qualifier in 2007 against Eswatini. Coached by former Egypt defender Hesham Yakan, the Red Sea Camels now join Burundi, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Somalia, and South Sudan in the group stage. Draw dates will be announced by CAF.