Unranked Eritrea marked their return to competitive football after seven years with a stunning 2-0 victory over Eswatini in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round first leg.
Eritrea’s “Red Sea Camels” produced a fairy-tale return to the international stage on Wednesday, defeating Eswatini 2-0 in Meknes, Morocco.
Despite being FIFA’s only unranked nation due to years of inactivity, the East African side defied the odds in their first AFCON qualifier since 2007.
The victory ends nearly two decades of continental isolation, a period largely attributed to concerns over player defections during overseas assignments.
The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when 18-year-old Sheffield United debutant Siem Eyob-Abraha scored directly from a corner kick.
Talismanic striker Ali Sulieman, who earlier missed a penalty, redeemed himself with a sensational solo goal in stoppage time to double the advantage.
Newly appointed Egyptian coach Hesham Yakan integrated 14 foreign-based players into the squad, showcasing a dynamic, modernized approach that overwhelmed the visitors.
The two sides meet again for the decisive second leg in Eswatini on March 31. The aggregate winner will progress to the 48-team group stage scheduled for later this year.
With the next FIFA rankings update due on April 6, Eritrea is poised to reclaim an official global standing for the first time since 2022, potentially ending their unique status as the world’s only unranked footballing nation.