Eritrea returns to international football after long hiatus, draws Niger in Asmara

Eritrea played out a goalless draw on Monday against the Niger ‘A’ national team in a friendly game held in the Eritrean capital of Asmara. The Red Sea Camels returned to world football after five years with friendly matches against Niger and South Sudan to commemorate the 34th anniversary of Eritrean independence.

In a closely contested match, both sides played to a goalless draw. Eritrea will next face South Sudan. The five-year hiatus meant Eritrea missed a golden opportunity to compete in qualifying competitions for the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.

The Eritrean National Football Federation hopes these friendly games will reignite the country’s dream of participating in international football again. Niger’s ‘A’ side are preparing for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is scheduled to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in August.