Ethiopia started CAN 2021 with a defeat against Cape Verde (1-0). This East African country is back in competition after 26 years of absence. Much more than a tournament, this CAN symbolizes peace and unity in a country torn by Civil War.
Ethiopia gives itself the mission to unite the country through the CAN
Ethiopia is making its second outing in the African Cup of Nations (CAN), this Thursday, January 13. Housed in Pool A, the Walias Ibex challenge the host country, Cameroon at 4 p.m. GMT . The Ethiopians fell in their first match against Cape Verde (1-0). A bitter defeat certainly but which in no way detracts from the joy of this East African country which finds the CAN after 26 years of absence. “We are in this tournament, we went through a lot of difficulties. So being here is already a great victory. Being in this tournament is even more important, so that we can show the image of Ethiopia, ”said national coach Wubetu Abate.
Ethiopia gives itself the mission to unite the country through the CAN
national team symbol of unity
With a mostly local team, the players come from all parts of the country including troubled ones: Tigray, Oromia and Amhara. In the preparation match Ethiopia beat Sudan (3-2). And the winning goal was scored by Amanuel Gebremicheal.
Based in Tigray but born in Amhara, he lost his place in the national team when civil war broke out in 2020. Ethiopian sports journalist Michael Legesse, however, rules out any choice based on ethnicity in the national team. “Selection for the national team is not a quota system based on ethnicity. It is performance-based. ”
Ethiopia is one and indivisible in Abate’s eyes . “The players sing together when they are together. When the players sing and move together, it represents Ethiopian unity. ” Ethiopia hopes to win its first in this CAN tonight against Cameroon.
