Sneak peek into the Eritrean 10

Their plight grabbed continental attention. It pit government against human rights campaigners. Critics and defenders rose to take up positions in the debate. The case had all the intrigue, suspense and tragedy of a Shakespearean drama: conflict-weary Eritreans using the cover of a football match to escape persecution in their homeland and the government here undecided about their fate.

The 10, who were members of the Eritrean national football team and reportedly in that country’s military, refused to leave Botswana after they were thrashed by three goals to one in Francistown in a World Cup qualifier.