Players will seek asylum , team officials told Canadian Press . The United States accuses Eritrea of arming Islamic insurgents who are trying to topple Somalia 's U.N.-backed transitional government . They hope to rejoin rest of team in Kenya after tournament . Human rights groups say Eritrea has become increasingly repressive . A similar incident occurred during the 2006 - 7 edition of the regional African soccer event .
Players will seek asylum , team officials told Canadian Press . They hope to rejoin rest of team in Kenya after tournament . Human rights groups say Eritrea has become increasingly repressive . A similar incident occurred during the 2006 - 7 edition of the regional African soccer event .