World Cup (Q): Ethiopian football faces tough decisions after poor results

The abysmal form of the Ethiopia national team in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying has been heavily criticized by fans, as the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) revealed that the executive committee will be meeting to address the issue.

EFF secretary general Bahiru Tilahun disclosed that the executive committee will be convening soon to discuss the Waliyas’ coaching situation.

Head coach Mesay Teferi signed a year-long contract at the start of the year and the EFF might be on the lookout for a new coach once qualifying concludes in October.

During a press conference held at the EFF headquarters in Addis Ababa, Tilahun confirmed there would be a meeting on the matter. “Within a short period, different coaches have led the national team on permanent and temporary bases. None of them were relieved of their duty by the federation. After we parted ways with Wubetu (Abate), his successors left after the end of their contracts. In terms of results, our football is not doing well. The executive committee will meet to discuss the next coach. If there is a new development, we will disclose it.”

Tilahun’s words suggested a technical reshuffle could be on the cards. Former Ethiopian Coffee head coach Kassaye Arage has been tipped by the local media as a potential successor. Nevertheless, Tilahun remained diplomatic in addressing the issue. “We gave him the utmost respect and honor during his playing career. After becoming a coach, he is trying to develop his own philosophy. I can’t say much about the technical aspect of his game idea.”

Arage is a former national team and Ethiopian Coffee midfielder. Following his playing days, he managed Coffee as head coach on two separate occasions, leading them to Ethiopian Cup and Super Cup glory in the early 2000s. After a lengthy stay in the United States, he returned home in 2019 to coach his boyhood club, Coffee.