The Ethiopia U-20 Women’s national team will face its Morocco counterpart in their bid to qualify for the Women U-20 World Cup. The final round of qualifiers will be held on January 13 and January 21, 2024. Ahead of the two-legged ties coach Firew Hailegebriel has announced a 24-women squad expected to be cut down to 23 players.

Pic via Ethiopian Football Federation

The players who will be missing out on the qualification are Kamlaknesh Hanko, Tigist Worku, Hideat Kassu, China Gizachew, Serkalem Basa, Bezawit Niguesse, and Bethlehem Menetelo.

The players want to write history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. They have continued their twice-per-day training and have held a test match against a men’s football club called Dama.

The return leg at Abebe Bikila Stadium, which will be held on January 21, will be near the Epiphany holiday. Because of that, The Ethiopian Football Federation is working to have the date changed.

The 24 players are:

Goalkeepers –

Abeba Ajibo ( Addis Ababa), Genet Ermias ( Arbaminch), Kembate Ketele ( Hambericho), Simegn Fikadu ( Lideta)

Defenders-

Betelhem Bekele ( Mechal), Meseret Mamo ( Addis Ababa), Dirshaye Menza ( CBE), Bayush Kimba ( Sidama), Senayit Shega ( Adama), Tsehaynesh Jula ( Hawassa), Banchiayehu Tesfaye ( Arbaminch)

Midfielders-

Nyabouny Yien ( CBE), Messay Temesgen ( CBE), Meadin Sahilu ( Hawassa), Betelhem Gizachew ( Mechal), Birhan Hailesilassie ( Hambericho), Etsehenet Girma ( Hawassa), Ariet Odong ( CBE), Alemitu Diriba ( Lideta)

Forwards-

Emush Daniel ( Hawassa), Nigist Bekele ( Mechal), Mahlet Mitiku ( Sidama), Tinibit Samuel ( CBE), Tseganesh Werana ( Electric)