Ethiopia squad unveiled for September World Cup qualifiers

Ethiopia national team coach Mesay Teferi announced a 26-player squad for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifying encounters in Group A against leaders Egypt and Sierra Leone. Teferi opted to summon the national side early since the top flight is on a summer break.

 

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Teferi called up a predominantly locally based squad. Many of the players took part in a friendly game against DC United at Audi Field Stadium last month. The Waliyas boss has chosen to stick with the same faces as he only named one foreign-based player. Attacking midfielder Kenean Markneh, currently based in Libya, will be joining the squad after impressing in a 3-0 win over DC United.

Teferi yet again omitted striker Abubaker Nasir and Iraq-based former Ethiopia captain Gatouch Panom. Surafel Dagnachew of Loudoun United will also miss both matches in September.

Teferi named seven players from Ethiopian Premier League champions Ethiopian Insurance. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia forward Kitika Jimma returns to the squad alongside veteran striker Dawa Hotessa. The coach included veteran defenders Megnot Debebe and Yared Bayeh.

The team will commence preparations outside of the capital in Adama. Ethiopia will face Egypt in Cairo on September 5th, while tackling Sierra Leone in Monrovia on September 9th. The Waliyas sit fourth with six points in Group A.