Ethiopian women national team head coach Selam Zeray has released a 36 player’s provisional squad ahead of the African Women Cup of Nations qualifier doubleheader against Libya next month. The coach called up 19 players from the junior sides likewise has included players from the second division clubs.
Lucy, as the Ethiopian national women side is nicknamed, is expected to enter residential camp on March 6. Coach Selam summoned start striker and Ethiopian Women First Division top goal scoring chart leader Loza Abera and Ethiopia Nigd Bank’s talisman Rehima Zerega. Rehima’s club mate and former Ethiopian international Shitaye Sisay failed to get a call up after a long injury lay off hindered her to play for much of the season in the topflight league. Veteran midfielder Zuleka Juhad makes a surprising return to the national side. Coach Selam will be trimming the squad in the coming weeks after the national side begins full preparation.
The first leg encounter between Ethiopia and Libya is slated for between the weekend of March 31st and April 2. The return leg set to take place in Addis Ababa a week later. The winner takes on either Algeria or Senegal in the final qualifying round.
Ghana will be hosting the African Women Cup of Nations in November 2018. Ethiopia last qualified for the 8 team continental showpiece six years ago. Lucy were knocked out by Algeria in the last edition of the AWCON which was hosted in Cameroon.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers:
Marta Bekele (Mekelakeya), Abaynesh Ereqelo (Hawassa Ketema), Genet Aklilu (Dedebit), Nigist Abera (Ethiopia Nigd Bank), Shebre Kanko (Ethiopia Bunna)
Defenders:
Meselu Abera, Bizuayehu Tadesse (both from Kidus Giorgis), Tsion Estifanos, Tarikuwa Debisso (both from Ethiopia Nigd Bank), Tseganesh Teshome (Dire Dawa Ketema), Meskerem Kanko, Estegenet Bizuneh, Zeleka Assefa (from Dedebit), Bethlehem Kefyalew (Ethio-Electric), Geneme Worku (Gedio Dilla)
Midfielders:
Senayit Bogale, Biruktawit Girma (both from Dedebit), Aregashe Lekessa (Ethiopian Youth and Sports Academy), Zuleka Juhad, Hiwot Dengiso (both from Ethiopia Nigd Bank), Bezawit Tesfaye (Kidus Giorgis), Emebet Addisu (Mekelakeya), Melat Demeke (Addis Ababa Ketema), Alemnesh Germew (Ethio-Electric), Medina Jemal (Tiret Corporate)
Forwards:
Fozia Mohammed, Sisay Gebrewolde (both from Ethiopian Youth and Sports Academy), Mirekat Feleke (Hawassa Ketema), Bethlehem Seman (Kidus Giorgis), Loza Abera, Tigist Zewde (both from Dedebit), Senaf Waquma, Serkaddis Guta (both from Adama Ketema), Rehima Zerega (Ethiopia Nigd Bank), Lidet Toloa (Hawassa Ketema), Tizeta Fetene (Dire Dawa Ketema)
