World Cup (Q): Bayeh dropped, Teferi names Ethiopia squad for final games

Ethiopia national team head coach Mesay Teferi has announced his squad for the final rounds from the group stage of 2026 World Cup qualifying in the African region. The Waliyas are playing for pride in October against Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso after successive defeats in September eliminated them from contention in Group A.

 

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Teferi summoned a few new names but dropped some notable players as Ethiopia hopes to end their campaign on a positive note. Team captain Yared Bayeh has been dropped from the squad, together with Megnot Debebe. Oman-bound Knean Markneh and Biniyam Belay have also failed to make the cut. Veteran striker Dawa Hotessa will also miss out.

Teferi called up Ethiopian Insurance duo Wancha Tut and Bereket Kaleab, along with Wolayta Dicha defender Kennedy Kebede. Striker duo Ahmed Reshid and Kitika Jema have both received call-ups after missing the September games against Egypt and Sierra Leone.

Ethiopia will host Guinea-Bissau in Kigali, Rwanda on October 8 before visiting Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on October 12. Ethiopia are fifth in the standings with six points from one win and three draws.

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