African Cup of Nations Group C Preview: Ethiopia

This will be Ethiopia’s first appearance in a major tournament since they last qualified for the African Cup of Nations in 1982. The Walya Antelopes finished second and third in the first two editions of the tournament, which is pretty impressive until you discover that only three teams entered. They did, however, win the third tournament in 1962 when a total of nine teams entered, and this remains the pinnacle of Ethiopian football.

Since their first-round exit from the tournament in 1982, they have either withdrawn or been disqualified from qualification as often as failing to qualify the old-fashioned way. There is real hope that they have turned a corner with qualification this year though, and they currently lead their qualifying group for the 2014 World Cup.

How Did They Qualify?

The away-goals rule has been kind to Ethiopia in qualifying for this year’s tournament. In the first round, they struggled to a 0-0 draw at home to Benin and had to come from behind in the away leg to secure a 1-1 draw on the night, taking them through 1-1 on aggregate with the away goals advantage.

In the second round, they faced Sudan and had their work cut out, after conceding two late goals in a 5-3 away defeat in the first leg. In the return match. a 2-0 win at home in front of 30,000 fans was enough to take them to their first African Cup of Nations appearance since 1982.

Manager

The Ethopian FA have obviously been taking lessons from Roman Abramovich, and since 2000, there have been 15 managers of the national team, including former Swindon Town manager Iffy Onoura.

The current occupant of the managerial hot-seat is Sewnet Bishaw, in his second spell in charge. Bishaw has previously won the CECAFA Cup with Ethopia, and precious little else if we’re honest.

Star Men

Saladin Said is Ethiopia’s most expensive footballer (having moved to Egyptian side Waidi Degla FC for £150,000), and if Ethiopia are to have a hope of getting out of their group, they are going to need the 24-year-old striker to be at his best. He’s scored nine times in 12 appearances, including the goal that secured the team’s place at the championships.

Degu Debebe is the captain of the side, and at the heart of the Ethiopian defence. In a young team, the 29-year-old’s experience as one of Ethiopia’s most capped players is going to be a big factor if the team are to pull off any sort of shock.

How Far Can They Go?

Ethiopia were drawn out of Pot Four to join Zambia, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso in Group C, and are currently priced as long as 200/1 with Boyle Sports. In every conceivable scenario, they’ve got absolutely no chance. But the ACN often provides a fairy-tale story, and who’s to say this team won’t match the glories of their predecessors 51 years ago?

Me? I say, Not a hope in hell.