Asenafi Bekele’s men have commenced preparation for their opening African Cup of Nations Group F fixture against Ghana in Kumasi.
Ethiopia senior national team had their first training session under the new coach on Thursday. 23 players took part on the first day training while the other foreign based duo, Oumed Okuri and Shemelese Bekele, are expected to join next week. The players were put through in some coordination work on first day of the preps.
Four Kidus Giorgis players who are selected for the provisional squad are still with their club. Kidus Giorgis are competing in the CAF Total Champions League group stage as they entertain D.R. Congolese side AS Vita Club on June 4, a day after Ethiopia play Uganda in international friendly tie. The Ethiopian Football Federation is expected to move the friendly game from Addis Ababa to another city since the Giorgis’s home game will be played in Addis Ababa. With a tight schedule the likelihood of Kidus Giorgis players joining the national team camp is becoming doubtful. Coach Asenafi told Soccer Ethiopia it would be great to have the players at his disposal, however he will carry on to prepare for the Ghana duel with the rest of the squad.
The AfCON qualifier game between Ethiopia and Ghana is slated for June 11 in Baba Yara Stadium. A week earlier Ethiopia host Uganda in a buildup game.
