Eritrea football team 'absconds'

Nairobi, 15 Dec-(ANA)-Officials have launched a search for Eritrea's national football team after the players reportedly failed to return home following a tournament in Kenya.

The Eritreans were knocked out of the Cecafa competition for East and Central African nations last week.

But when the team plane landed back home, it was reportedly only carrying the coach and an official.

The government, which is frequently accused of repression, denies any players are missing.

But the country's football federation confirmed to Cecafa head Nicholas Musonye that the players had not returned.

The UN says hundreds of Eritreans flee the country every month.

Critics say the country's repressive government, poverty and a harsh national service regime forces many to leave.

But the government denies that Eritreans are fleeing and accuses the UN of lying about the figures. (ANA)

FA/ANA/15 December 2009---