AFCON 2017 Qualifiers: Seychelles Revamp Squad Ahead of Crucial Ethiopia Clash
Seychelles head into their second Group J fixture of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with renewed determination as they prepare to host Ethiopia this weekend. After a heavy 4-0 defeat to Algeria in their opening match, the island nation faces a must-win situation to revive their campaign.
Coaches Bruno Saindini and Rodney Choisy have responded by shaking up their squad, calling up 18 players for the clash in Victoria, including seven new additions not present in the squad that travelled to Blida for the opening fixture.
The new-look side will hope to take full advantage of home soil as they seek their first points of the campaign against an Ethiopian team riding high after a winning start against Lesotho.
Seychelles Squad to Face Ethiopia:
Goalkeepers:
Kitson Cecile (Côte d’Or)
Jerome Dingwall (The Lions)
Defenders:
Jones Joubert (Côte d’Or)
Benoit Marie (Côte d’Or)
Yannick Manou (St Michel)
Jean-Paul Adela (La Passe)
Brian Dorby (Foresters)
Bertrand Esther (St Louis)
Andrew Onezia (The Lions)
Midfielders:
Trevor Vidot (St Michel)
Gervais Waye-Hive (St Michel)
Nelson Laurence (St Michel)
Gino Agathine (St Michel)
Senky Vidot (La Passe)
Archille Henriette (La Passe)
Dine Suzette (Côte d’Or)
Basil Bertin (Northern Dynamo)
Martin William (Foresters)
Forwards:
Rennick Esther (La Passe)
Bertrand Lablache (LightStars)
The selection reflects an emphasis on domestic-based players, with all 20 called up currently playing in the Seychellois Premier League. Several players from St Michel and Côte d’Or, the country’s top clubs, form the backbone of the side.
With the group favourites Algeria also in action against Lesotho, this match represents a vital opportunity for Seychelles to stay competitive in the group and restore confidence after a tough opening day.
Kick-off in Victoria is scheduled for the weekend, with high stakes for both sides as the race for qualification heats up.
