The Group A journey in the World Cup qualifiers initiates with Ethiopia facing Sierra Leone at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium.
Both teams, after disappointing AFCON qualification campaigns, aim for a winning start to their World Cup quest.
Match Preview
Ethiopia concluded their lackluster 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 1-0 loss against Egypt. Despite a 2-0 friendly win over Guyana, they seek redemption after a winless streak.
Sierra Leone clinched a 2-0 victory against Somalia after a 1-1 draw with Benin but faced a challenging AFCON campaign, securing only five points and finishing third in Group A.
Team News
Newly-appointed manager Haile has named a 30-man squad for the qualifying games against Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso, with Bekele, Seid Habtamu, and Kenean Markneh headlining the team.
After coming on against Egypt last time out, Bekele now has 81 senior caps under his belt, and the 33-year-old, who is the Wali Ibex’s most-capped player, should come into the XI on Wednesday.
Sierra Leone has called up 24 players for their upcoming World Cup qualifying ties, including the likes of goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara, defender Emmanuel Samadiya, and striker Mohamed Buya Turay.
Saidu Fofanah, who has one goal in 11 senior caps for the Leone Stars, should retain his role at the centre of the park, alongside Velez man Alusine Koroma and 24-year-old Abu Dumbuya.
Tyrese Fornah, Abdulai Jajue Kabia, and Charlton Athletic FC man Daniel Kanu have all been handed their maiden call-ups to the Sierra Leone senior squad and will be looking to make their debuts.
