AFCON 2021: Ethiopia – Team guide, key players and full fixtures

Ethiopia were the first team to arrive in Cameroon, and while it is tempting to consider that a statement of intent, it probably speaks more to a settled state of mind and happiness to be there.

And why not? For Ethiopia, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) participation is not a given. They narrowly pipped Madagascar to the post in qualifying despite losing all three away matches, finishing comfortably adrift Cote d’Ivoire in Group K. In that context, acclimatisation is even more important than usual. 

Their form over the course of 2021 is far from sparkling: they won only two of their eight matches, losing half of them (although one can understand falling at the hands of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and South Africa).

Ethiopia are ranked 40th in Africa and 137th in the world per the most recent FIFA rankings from December 2021.

There is no kinder way to put it: Ethiopia fell off. Their AFCON heyday came in the early days of the competition, when they secured podium finishes in all of the first three editions, including their sole triumph in 1962.

Since participating in the first seven AFCONs, Ethiopia have only been a part of three others in the ensuing 50 years, and all of those appearances ended in Group Stage exits with only one win and five goals scored.

Wubetu Abate has only been in the position since September 2020, as he came in to replace the out-of-contract Abraham Mebratu. Since then, Ethiopia’s form has been largely solid, especially at altitude on home soil. 

The Walias set up in a 4-5-1 typically, and boast a great deal of technical quality, especially in terms of ball retention and quick combinations in the middle before attacking down the flanks. They do, however, struggle for incision upfront with all of their numbers concentrated in their midfield press-and-possess style.

Forward Getaneh Kebede carries the bulk of Ethiopia’s goal threat, and is the leader of the line. The 29-year-old boasts great close control and technical skill, and strikes the ball cleanly when given a sight of goal and when afforded set-pieces.

Breaking forward from midfield is Shemeles Bekele, who also has a creative bent, but as Ethiopia’s chances come from out wide, look to Amanuel Gebremichael as a key performer for the Walias.

Abubeker Nasir can play either on the left or off the centre-forward, and is lightning quick. The 21-year-old, who plays for Ethiopian Coffee, could catch a few somnolent defenders by surprise.

Teklemariam Shanko; Asrat Tonjo, Aschalew Tamene, Mignot Debebe, Ramadan Yesuf; Amanuel Gebremichael, Shemeles Bekele, Amanuel Johannes, Mesud Mohammed, Abubeker Nasir; Getaneh Kebede.

For all that they can play, away from their home comforts, Ethiopia will struggle to make a mark on their superiors at the AFCON. They should finish bottom of Group A, but do not expect them to look egregiously out of their depth in doing so.