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

Henok Goitom 

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

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