<p>Eritrea’s national team haven’t played an official match in seven years.</p><p><br></p><p>But this month, the Red Sea Camels are making their long-awaited return to the international stage in AFCON 2027 qualifying.</p><p><br></p><p>So what kept Eritrea away? Why are they returning to the fold now? And do they have any chance against Eswatini?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we take you on a virtual journey to the Horn of Africa – and shine a light on the only country excluded from the FIFA rankings.</p><p><br></p><p>Plus, the Belarusian team in exile in Poland and the Russian war critic making waves in Cyprus.</p><p><br></p><p>Sweeper football shirts: ⁠https://stingz.co/collections/sweeper-podcast⁠</p><p><br></p><p>Deutsche Welle documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMRQQYGNBK8</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 – Intro</p><p>01:14 – Eritrea’s international absence</p><p>04:55 – Dictatorships and defection</p><p>09:16 – The long-awaited return to the fold</p><p>13:30 – The state of play in the national team</p><p>19:02 – Poland’s Belarusian club in exile</p><p>22:47 – Sweeper shirts and special bonus pod</p><p>24:17 – Russia’s war critic turned club owner</p>