Ethiopia entertains Lesotho in 2022 World Cup qualification

National boss Abraham Mebratu named the Ethiopian opening 2022 World Cup pre- qualification squad this week. Two players are from Norway and one is from Germany. There are four Ethiopians who play in Egypt. The list includes 27 players. Saint George mid fielder who signed a two year contract extension last week Mulualem Mesfin is the notable absence.
Though most of the team members are household names three European based Ethiopians are named on the list that brings 27 players from more than 14 teams. The 17 year old goal keeper from Stromsgodset Daniel Negussie and 33 year old seasoned defender Amin Ascar of Sarpsborg are the two internationals called from Norway along with German second division defender Kalid Mulugeta.
Ethiopian internationals based in foreign leagues play maker Shimeles Bekele, Gatoch Panom, Binyam Belay and Oumed Oukri are named in the squad. Knock-out holders Fasil Town stands tall in contributing four players while champions Mekele Town are represented by two players’ top striker Amanuel G/Michael and Hayder Sherefa.
Fasil Goal keeper Jemal Tasew and defender Anteneh Tesfaye of Diredawa returned to national duty after nearly three seasons while stranded in the bench for last two years Saint George goalie Lealem Berhanu also joined the rank. The strike force that comprised six players appeared to be crowded by top brass strikers: Premier League top scorers Amanauel G/Kidan, Sidama’s Addis Gedey, Fasil’s Mujib Kasim, Oumed Oukri from Egypt.
Ethiopia entertains visitors Lesotho in first leg home match at Baherdar Stadium on 4th September with the return leg taking place four days later.