The Ethiopian National Team has officially commenced preparations for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Head coach Yohannes Sahle called up 39 players to report to the Jupiter Hotel on Friday August 14, with 31 squad members currently present.
Under the supervision of physical fitness expert Dr. Elias Abishakra, the squad underwent body fat index assessments and related screenings, followed by fitness evaluations at Addis Ababa Stadium. While heavy rain forced the cancellation of their initial pitch session yeasterday, the team adapted by holding a tactical and theoretical session in the hotel’s conference hall. EFF officials are also actively arranging friendly matches to sharpen match fitness ahead of the competitive fixtures.
Squad Absentees & Medical Staff Adjustment
Several key personnel remain absent from the opening training block. Foreign based midfielders Kenean Markneh (Al-Arabi, Kuwait) and Gatuoch Panom (Al-Fahaheel, Kuwait) will join the camp closer to matchday in accordance with standard FIFA calendar regulations.
Meanwhile, Sidama Bunna have retained seven of their called-up players Abel Yalew, Yared Bayeh, Birhanu Bekele, Mesfin Tafesse, Degife Alemu, Tinsae Markos, and new arrival Binyam Belay. With Sidama Bunna preparing for their CAF Champions League preliminary qualifiers later this month, the club formally requested to keep their core players to maintain squad cohesion. The EFF accepted the request, allowing the players to remain with their club until the mandatory FIFA international window opens.
Due to Sidama Bunna’s continental commitments, long time national team physiotherapist Biruk Debebe is also remaining with the club. Former Kidus Giorgis and Ethiopian U-17 national team physiotherapist Dagmawi Menilik has joined Coach Yohannes’ backroom staff as his replacement.
Bahir Dar Approval and Opening Fixtures
Ethiopia’s preparation receives a major boost following CAF’s decision to grant Bahir Dar Stadium a temporary Category 3 license, enabling the national team to play crucial Group J fixture on home soil.
The Walias kick off their Group 10 campaign away against Mozambique in Maputo before returning home for a high profile clash against continental heavyweights Senegal on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Bahir Dar Stadium.
