Eritrea AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Watch

Eritrea have arrived in Nairobi and moved into the final stage of preparations for their AFCON 2027 qualifier against Kenya, with the Red Sea Camels holding their first team meeting before beginning training on Tuesday.

The Eritrean National Football Federation said the squad was in good condition after travelling to Kenya. Players and staff gathered for lunch before the first training session, giving several new members of the group an opportunity to settle into the camp and meet their teammates.

Head coach Hesham Yakan is in Nairobi alongside assistant coach Ermias Tewelde, technical director Daniel Yohannes, team delegate Tesfay Alexander and goalkeeper coach Abraham Melake.

The current group brings together established professionals playing in different leagues and younger Eritrean players emerging from European academy systems. ENFF specifically highlighted players with backgrounds at Ajax Amsterdam and AIK, describing the mix of experience and youth as an important part of the camp.

Not everyone had reached Nairobi by Tuesday. ENFF said additional members of the squad were expected to arrive on Wednesday, after which the coaching staff will have a more complete group for its tactical and physical preparations.

There is also an interesting piece of history behind Saturday's meeting: Eritrea have won each of their last three senior internationals against Kenya.

The Red Sea Camels won 2-1 in Nairobi in September 2006 before defeating Kenya 1-0 in Asmara in June 2007, both during qualification for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

The countries did not meet again at senior level until December 2019, when Eritrea produced a 4-1 victory over defending champions Kenya in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup semi-final in Kampala, reaching the tournament final.

That leaves Eritrea with a 7-2 aggregate score across the last three meetings, although the long gaps between those matches mean the record is best viewed as historical context rather than an indication of what to expect on September 26.

Eritrea will open their AFCON 2027 Group D campaign against Kenya at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on 26 September, with kickoff set for 13:00 GMT — 4 p.m. local time.

Four days later, the Red Sea Camels will host South Africa at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo. That match will begin at 16:00 GMT, or 7 p.m. in Cairo.

Kenya have already qualified for the finals as co-hosts, leaving Eritrea, South Africa and Guinea to compete for Group D's remaining place at AFCON 2027.

Kenya have named their provisional squad for the opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers and confirmed Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi as the venue for their Group D meeting with Eritrea on 26 September.

Head coach Benni McCarthy's selection includes captain Michael Olunga, Joseph Okumu, Timothy Ouma and Zak Vyner. Kenya will open against the Red Sea Camels before travelling to Conakry to face Guinea on 1 October.

Kenya’s confirmation of Nyayo Stadium gives Eritrea a settled venue for their opening Group D qualifier in Nairobi on 26 September. Four days later, the Red Sea Camels will stage their home match against South Africa at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo.

The Eritrean National Football Federation said the national team had intensified preparations for its opening AFCON 2027 Group D qualifiers, with training focused on tactical organisation and coordination between players.

The Red Sea Camels travel to Nairobi to face Kenya on 26 September before meeting South Africa at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on 30 September. The two fixtures open Eritrea's Group D campaign, which also includes Guinea.

Eritrea will open their AFCON 2027 Group D campaign against Kenya in Nairobi on Saturday, 26 September 2026, before facing South Africa at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, 30 September.

The Red Sea Camels will stage their home fixture against South Africa in Egypt, making Cairo the setting for their second match of the qualifying campaign.

Eritrea’s group also includes Guinea. With Kenya already qualified as tournament co-hosts, results against South Africa and Guinea will be crucial to Eritrea’s hopes of reaching the finals.

The Eritrean National Football Federation announced a 30-player squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on 26 August.

The list comprises three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and 11 forwards. Tesfaldet Tekie, Filmon Gerezgiher, Ali Suleman and Matteo Borsoi are among those named as the Red Sea Camels prepare for their opening Group D fixtures against Kenya and South Africa.

The announcement establishes the selected squad for the qualifiers, but does not explicitly designate it as a final matchday list.