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 Ethiopia manager, Gebremedhin Haile, named a 30-man squad featuring Bekele, Habtamu, and Markneh.
Sierra Leone included Kamara, Samadiya, and Buya Turay in their 24-player squad.
Possible Lineups
Ethiopia:
- Kamara;
- Samadiya, Sesay, Bah, Kakay;
- Koroma, B Kamara;
- Koroma, Fornah, Bakayako;
- M Turay
Sierra Leone:
- Habtamu;
- Adugna, Tamene, Yigezu, Yesuf;
- Panom, S Bekele, Zeleke, Markneh;
- Gugsa, Yalew
Predictions
Expect a tight contest as Ethiopia aims to bounce back from their AFCON campaign. With Sierra Leone struggling in away fixtures, Ethiopia might edge this encounter with a 2-1 victory.
