The Total African Women Cup of Nations, which is due in Ghana later this year, qualifier gets underway today with numerous ties across the continent. The Ethiopian women national team tackles Libya in Cairo this afternoon.
Lucy as the Ethiopians are nicknamed were in residential camp for the past month under the guidance of head trainer Selam Zeraye. The Ethiopian Football Federation elevated Selam from the U-17 girls side as she takes on the helm of the women national side on February.
Speaking to Soccer Ethiopia before the team’s departure to Cairo, coach Selam stated the plan is clear and simple. “The time frame we had to assemble this squad was pretty much limited but it was quite enough to begin preparation. We have seen some improvements and we think this game will present us the opportunity to get acquainted with our weakness and strength. Since it is a qualifier we need to win every game. The plan is to secure qualification to the AWCON.”
Coach Selam assembled a squad comprised with veterans and some debutants. Biruktawit Girma was dropped due to injury as she was replaced by Birtukan Gebrekristos; although the Dedebit captain is not part of the squad to face Libya in Cairo.
Ethiopia have a dreadful record playing in North Africa. Lucy were beaten 1-0 by Algeria and lost 4-2 to Egypt. They hope to rewrite the book when the team faces another North African nation Libya.
Due to political instability and security concern the game between Libya and Ethiopia is taking place in Egyptian capital Cairo. Petro Sport Stadium, the venue that the Ethiopian U-17 side thrashed Egypt two years ago, is going to host the duel as the Ethiopian national team returns to action after an 18 month inactivity which saw them excluded from the latest FIFA Coca Cola World ranking. Coach Selam believes this specific scenario will motivate Lucy to pick up a positive result in the away game.
Ghanaian referees will be handling the encounter. Center referee Theresa Bremansu is assisted by Beatrice Thaud and Theresa Akongyam will officiate the duel.
