Eritrean National team player Henok Goitom scores for AIK. Alexander Isak Scores for Sweden under 19.

Two of the hottest soccer figures in Sweden these days since Zlatan Ibrahimovic continue to play their role in the Swedish soccer scene as they both had a splendid weekend. While Henok Goitom is back and getting comfortable with AIK Stockholm, his younger Eritrean-Swede protege Alexander Isak saved the Swedish under 19 team from an early exit in the European under 19 qualifications for the 2017 championship to be held in Georgia.

The Swedish premier league otherwise known as the allsvenskan starts its 2017 season on Saturday April 1st. AIK will take on BK Hacken and without Borussia Dortmund transfer Alexander Isak who scored more than 10 goals last season. However, Henok Goitom is back after making a short stint in Spain. He also spent his summer in California with the MLS San Jose Earthquakes and has become a new father.  Henok played for about 60 minutes against
IFK Norrkoping this weekend where he scored a beautiful goal in a 2-1 victory.

Henok has also been touted to be a TV color analyst for Eurosport Sweden where he has been praised as a knowledgeable expert on the game of soccer and the Swedish soccer scene. He has already called games for the Swedish under 21 team against Serbia. This is not Henok's first time as a TV analyst, he made several guest appearances during the 2014 world cup that was held in Brazil. While his role as a player and TV analyst are going to keep him busy, it should also be noted that his contribution to helping build a strong Eritrean national team could help the Red Sea Camels in the long run. A good 2017 for Henok as embarks on many new opportunities this season.

Alexander Isak meanwhile was called up for duty this past week to play for the Swedish under 19 squad that is playing in the elite round of the European Championships in Group 7 out of 7 groups where the group winners only get to join Georgia in their home turf for the championships being held this summer. In group 7 Ireland, Italy, Belgium and Sweden are the teams and so far Sweden has lost 2-1 to host Belgium while they defeated Ireland 3-0 with Alexander scoring the third goal of the game and helped acquire 3 points and 4 goals for his team. Meanwhile, Ireland has defeated Italy 2-0 and tied Italy 1-1. Tomorrow's game is a must win for Sweden as they take on Italy while Belgium takes on Ireland. If Belgium wins then they will be the group winners as they will have 7 points. In order for Sweden to advance Belgium has to lose or tie and Sweden must win no matter what. Hoping to see Alexander Isak shine once again. It does not matter what team (under 19, Under 21 or the senior national team) He is destined to make a difference.

For Eri-International sports blog.

Mike Seium

Eritrean-Swede Alexander Isak makes debut for Borussia Dortmund. Henok Goitom Back at AIK Stockholm 2017.

Eritrean-Swede Teenage sensation made his debut for Borussia Dortmund on March 14th, 2017 in the 86th, minute of a quarter-final game for the DFB Cup against Sportfreunde Lotte. Competing for a starting spot against some of the world's most seasoned players is no easy task, but  Coach Thomas Tuchel decided that it was time to put the 17-year-old Eritrean-Swede into the game considering that international star Gabonese Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was not able to play. 

Coach Tuchel seems to think Alexander is the future of his team.

The manager who thinks very highly of young Alex took out veteran Gonzalo Castro towards the end of the game to put him in this important game. While 4 minutes to the end of the game might not be enough, Alexander moved around well clearly showing that he is in sync with the team. What makes it even more exciting is the fact that he has been cool, calm and collected throughout the entire ordeal waiting for his opportunity to come. 

Alexander making his debut for Borussia Dortmund.

The great behavior and the special persona makes this wonder kid a player that any team would love to have. Already many top teams are regretting that they were not able to sign him. Borussia has a game this weekend March 17th, 2017 against Ingolstadt while they continue to play 2 more games until the next big match on April 8th, 2017 against the blogger's team in the Bundesliga Bayern Munich which will be followed with a second game on April 25, 2017. Watch out for Alexander Isak as he gradually makes his way into the Borussia line up.
FYI: Alexander Isak is not the first Eritrean to play in the Bundesliga as a couple of years ago Joel Gherezgiher played for Frankfurt. 

Henok Goitom Returns to AIK Stockholm again.

Eritrean National team forward Henok Goitom is back to Sweden once again. He made his debut since he last played with AIK in 2015 as he went in towards the end of the game at the 78 minute mark. The game which Hacken was leading by 3 goals was a intra league play which did not have lots of implication just yet. After playing in Spain, the MLS and a possible trade to China and Venice, Italy, the best choice for Henok and his growing family a recently new dad, was back home where he started in Sweden. Henok is also getting back at full speed and will be able to help his team as well as Alexander's last team regain its status as one of the top teams in the Swedish Allsvenskan (Premier League).

                                                Henok Goitom back at AIK

Eri-International sports will continue to follow up on this and other important sports news stories related to the Eritrean communities around the world. Stay tuned as more stories and interviews will be coming your way soon.

Mike Seium 

For Eri-International sports blog.