Eritrea have shied away from international football for a number of reasons in the past two decades, including the defection of players during away matches, and last played in the qualifiers for the 2008 edition of the continental showpiece tournament.
Ironically, Eritrea’s previous AFCON qualifier was also against Eswatini in September 2007 and finished 0-0. The side ended second in their qualification pool that year with nine points to show they were a competitive outfit before their self-imposed exile.
The opening goal of the game on Wednesday was scored in the 81st minute when Siem Eyob-Abraha’s corner appeared to miss everyone and go straight into the net.
The second goal came four minutes into added time at the end of the game as their talisman, Ali Suleiman, went on a mazy run on the left and fired a rocket shot into the roof of the net from close range.
The Eritreans, playing their first continental qualifier in almost 20 years, also missed a penalty as Suleiman saw his effort saved by Eswatini goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya, who dived low to his right.
The two teams will now travel to Eswatini for the return leg, which will be played on Tuesday next week.
The fixture was the opening match of the AFCON preliminary-round qualifiers.
The six teams who advance through this stage will join the other 42 Member Associations in the group phase.
The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, likely in June/July next year.