Ethiopia has announced a 23-man squad for their upcoming AFCON 2024 qualifiers against neighboring Eritrea. Coach Mesay Teferi, newly appointed as the interim head coach of the national team, will lead the Walya as they prepare for the crucial two-legged fixture. The squad will gather for training at the Jupiter Hotel in Addis Ababa on Thursday, October 24, to begin their preparations.
Mesay Teferi, who has been with the Ethiopian national team as an assistant coach for the past year, was recently elevated to the head coach role by the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF).
His appointment comes at a critical juncture as Ethiopia eyes qualification for the African Nations Championship (AFCON), a tournament reserved for home-based players.
Teferi now faces the formidable task of guiding his side through this high-stakes qualification phase, with Eritrea standing in their way.
Both matches of the qualification tie will take place in South Sudan, as logistical challenges have forced the relocation of the fixtures.
Originally scheduled to be held in Eritrea and Ethiopia, the games will now be played at the Juba National Stadium.
The first leg is set for October 31, 2024, with the return fixture on November 3, 2024.
This doubleheader against Eritrea is seen as a significant moment for Ethiopia, whose footballing fortunes have been mixed in recent years.
Coach Teferi, well aware of the challenges ahead, will be relying on his squad’s experience and readiness to navigate these crucial matches.
Teferi has called up a balanced squad featuring a blend of seasoned players and promising talents.
Here is the full list of the 23 players selected:
Goalkeepers:
- Seid Habtamu
- Bereket Amare
- Dagim Tefera
Defenders:
- Asrat Tunjo
- Suleman Hamid
- Woldeamanuel Getu
- Yared Baye
- Frezer Kassa
- Ramkel James
- Desta Demu
- Remedan Yesouf
Midfielders:
- Gatuoch Panom
- Abinet Demissie
- Bereket Wolde
- Endalkachew Mesfin
- Abdulkerim Worku
- Biniam Ayten
Forwards:
- Mohammednur Nassir
- Bereket Desta
- Kitika Jima
- Amanuel Erbo
- Fasil Asmama Wolde
- Chernet Gugsa
Coach Teferi’s squad reflects a strategic mix of players, with experienced figures such as Gatuoch Panom and Yared Baye likely to play key roles in the defensive and midfield areas.
Up front, the team will rely on the attacking prowess of Mohammednur Nassir and Bereket Desta to break down Eritrea’s defense.
The AFCON qualifiers are seen as a vital competition for Ethiopia, offering a chance for local-based players to shine on an international stage.
With the first leg just days away, the pressure is mounting for the Walya to deliver a strong performance and take a decisive step toward qualification.
Both Ethiopia and Eritrea share a complex footballing rivalry, adding an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming fixtures.
For Ethiopia, advancing through this stage could be pivotal in restoring the nation’s footballing pride and giving their domestic players a platform to showcase their talent.
The next few days will be crucial as Mesay Teferi and his squad focus on fine-tuning their preparations.
All eyes will be on Juba at the end of October as Ethiopia aims to secure a place in the prestigious AFCON 2024 tournament.
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