AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ethiopia announce 23-man squad for Mozambique games

Ethiopia have announced a 23-man squad for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Mozambique.

The Walias will face Mozambique in back-to-back fixtures on November 13 and 17 as they look to strengthen their position in the race for qualification to the continental tournament.

Head coach and his technical team have selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards for the crucial encounters.

Abubeker Nura of Ethiopia Coffee, Bahiru Negash of Sheger City and Alazar Markos of Adama City have been named as the three goalkeepers.

The defensive department features Birhanu Bekele (Sidama Bunna), Alelegn Muluneh (EIC), Kaleb Beyene (Sheger City), Melkamu Bogale (Wolaitta Dicha), Bereket Samuel (Welwalo A.U.), Abduselam Yesouf (Ethiopia Coffee), Netsanet G/Medhin (Welwalo A.U.) and Rohobot Solalo (Negele Arsi).

In midfield, Ethiopia have included Mukerem Reshid of Ethio Electric, Gatuoch Panom, who plays for Al-Fahaheel in Kuwait, Bereket Wolde of Wolaitta Dicha and Okay Jul of Ethiopia Coffee.

The attacking options include Chernet Gugsa (Mechal), Abel Yalew (Sidama Bunna), Abel Habtamu (Ethio Electric), Wogene Gezah… (EIC), Anteneh Tefera (Bahir Dar City), Carlos Damtew (Welwalo A.U.), Kenean Markineh (Al-Arabi, Kuwait) and Bulcha Shura (Sheger City).

Ethiopia will travel to Mozambique for the first encounter, scheduled for November 13 at the Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo.

The return fixture will take place four days later, on November 17, at the Bahir Dar Stadium, where the Ethiopians will enjoy home advantage.

The double-header presents an important opportunity for the Walias to collect maximum points and improve their chances of securing a place at the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

With two matches in the space of four days, Ethiopia will hope their selected squad can deliver the results needed to keep their qualification ambitions on track.