Will face DC United
The Ethiopian national football team, also known as the Walias, will travel to the United States in July to play friendlies against Caribbean nations, according to the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF).
The agreement between the Federation and CJA Newman, which acquired the marketing rights, covers travel, lodging, and the provision of training fields. DC United, a Caribbean team competing in Major League Soccer (MLS), will face the Ethiopian national team.
The team’s trip to the US aims to strengthen ties with the Ethiopian diaspora and increase their source of income. Although not yet confirmed, the national team is anticipated to face another MLS club.
The Walia’s struggles in continental tournaments have not improved, despite the fact that it has been able to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the last two years. Inconsistency, inexperience, and other factors have hampered the nation’s football ambitions. Recent results against Guinea in AFCON qualifiers have placed the national team on the verge of elimination.
A source told The Reporter that Wubetu Abate, the head coach, has submitted his resignation letter to the EFF as a result of the team’s poor performance.
The Executive Committee has accepted the resignation letter and will soon announce its decision, according to sources. The new appointee will oversee the remaining qualifying games.
The Walia’s have participated in four of this year’s six AFCON qualifying matches, with the remaining two contests against Malawi and Egypt. The performance of the team against Guinea in the third and fourth round of games has been criticized, prompting questions about Wubetu’s position.
Since assuming charge of the team two years ago, Coach Wubetu has managed a total of 35 games, 10 of which are qualification games. The Walia’s have only triumphed in six of these 25 contests.
The Walia’s are currently in fourth place in their 2023 AFON qualifying group with three points, behind Egypt, Guinea, and Malawi.
