Rankings:
Caf: 28
Fifa: 102
Most will be forgiven to think this is Ethiopia’s maiden appearance in the African Nations Cup. Some were not even born when the team last played in the tournament more than 30 years ago. Most of those who were born then may not remember.
They team has been gradually clawing their way up on the world rankings, having moved 16 places since 2006. But ranked 102 in the world, the Walya Antelopes’ are still far from being a team fancied to great things in the tournament.
Not much should be expected from this team.
Full squad: Goalkeepers: Jemal Tassew (Coffee FC), Sisay Bancha (Dedebit), Zerihun Tadelle (Saint George) Defenders: Degu Debebe (Saint George), Biyadglign Eliase (Saint George), Abebaw Butako (Saint George), Alula Girma (Saint George), Seyum Tesfaye (Dedebit), Birhanu Bogale (Dedebit), Aynalem Hailu (Dedebit) Midfielders: Asrat Megersa (EEPCO), Addis Hintsa (Dedebit), Yared Zinabu (Saint George), Shimelese Bekele (Saint George), Behailu Asefa (Dedebit), Minyahel Teshome (Dedebit), Dawit Estifanose (Coffee FC), Yussuf Saleh (Syrianska/SUE) Forwards: Saladin Seid (Wadi Degla/EGY), Adane Girma (Saint George), Umed Ukuri (Saint George), Getaneh Kebede (Dedebit), Fuad Ibrahim (Minnesota Stars/USA)
– By Sipho Kekana
