Ethiopian Coach Sewnet Bishaw has named an unfamiliar 20 man squad to represent Ethiopia in the forthcoming 2013 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that kicks off next week in Nairobi, Kenya.
From the team that featured in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers play offs against Nigeria, only
Salhadin Bargecho, Fasika Asfaw, Thok James, Gabriel Micael Yakob, Yusuf Salah, Moges Tadede and striker Fuad Ibrahim all of whom were not regulars.
On why he opted for such a light weight team, Sewnet said that his regular players need to time to rest but insists it’s still a strong squad and his players have an opportunity to prove themselves ahead of future assignments.
“I believe I have named an equally strong team as we have to give the regular players time to recuperate. It’s important to give every player an opportunity as this will help us in future assignments as they will get the much needed experience and exposure,” Sewnet told supersport.com.
The Walyas who last lifted the trophy in 2005 are drawn in group A alongside hosts and last event’s runners up Kenya, Zanzibar and minnows South Sudan.
Ethiopia commences its campaign against Kenya on November 27 before tussling it out with Zanzibar and South Sudan on November 30 and December respectively.
Ethiopia full squad:
Goal keepers: Dereje Alemu, Tarik Getnet and Bianiam Tefera
Defenders: Thock James, Salhadin Bargecho, Addisalem Tesfaye, Moges Tadese, Mahar Mana and Shimelis Tegegn
Midfielders: Fasika Asfaw, Mintasnot Adane, Mulalem Mesfin, Bereket Yisak , Yonatan Kebede, Yosuf Salah
Strikers: Fuad Ebrahim , Gabriel Micael Yakob, Manaye Fantu, Biruk Kalbore, Bayu Gazahgn
