Eritrea has reshaped its squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after seven players defected and applied for asylum in South Africa. The team, set to face South Africa in a Group D match in Cairo, now faces the challenge of rebuilding its roster amid the exodus. The defections, which occurred ahead of the match, have raised concerns about the stability of Eritrea’s team ahead of the tournament. The players reportedly left the country in search of political asylum, citing pressure from the government. The South African authorities have yet to confirm the status of the defectors, but the situation has already impacted Eritrea’s preparations. The match against South Africa, a key fixture in the qualifiers, will now take place with a significantly altered Eritrean squad. The outcome of the game could have major implications for both teams’ progression in the competition.