Eritrea has formally withdrawn from the qualifiers for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), as confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Eritrea’s exit from the tournament’s preliminary stages means their scheduled fixtures against neighboring Ethiopia have been canceled.
Initially, Eritrea was set to play Ethiopia in a two-legged tie as part of the first preliminary round for the East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) zone.
However, CAF released a statement officially confirming Eritrea’s withdrawal, citing that the scheduled matches, intended to be held at the Juba Stadium in South Sudan, would no longer proceed.
CAF acknowledged the situation and expressed gratitude for the understanding shown by all parties affected by the decision.
“The CAF Competitions Division expressed its appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of all parties concerned regarding this change,” the organization stated, emphasizing the collective effort to adapt to the revised fixture list.
This recent withdrawal from CHAN qualifiers is not the first instance of Eritrea stepping back from international tournaments. In November 2023, CAF confirmed Eritrea had also withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
According to reports at the time, the Eritrean Football Federation made the decision to avoid potential player defections during travel for international competitions.
The recurring trend underscores an ongoing challenge for Eritrea in maintaining its participation in regional and global tournaments.
Eritrea’s absence from the CHAN qualifiers now reshapes the competitive landscape in the CECAFA zone, with Ethiopia advancing by default to the next round.
Eritrea’s decision also marks another chapter in the country’s complex relationship with international sports participation, driven largely by broader concerns within the nation’s sports and governance framework.
As the CHAN 2024 qualification process continues, Eritrea’s decision leaves an open question about the nation’s future engagement in African football events, particularly given the country’s track record of retreating from major competitions.
For now, CAF and other stakeholders will proceed with the adjusted schedule, but the lingering challenges faced by Eritrean athletes on the international stage remain a subject of considerable attention across the region.
