Ethiopian National Team coach has blamed Walias goalkeeper for the humiliating 5-0 defeat in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Ghana. On his post-match report to the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), the newly appointed manager Ashenfai Bekele indicated that team’s goalkeeper, Abel Mamo, is the man responsible for the loss.
After the Walias returned home, the football governing body summoned the coaching staff last week to explain what went wrong in the match against the Black Stars. Ashenafi told the EFF officials that the Ethiopian goalie’s poor performance was the main factor that led to the humiliating defeat.
Ashenafi’s latest report contradicted what he has said earlier with regards to the match. According to a statement Ashenafi issued to a local sports radio show, Sport Zone, which airs on Fana FM 98.1, he himself would take the responsibility for the bitter loss against Ghana.
Ashenafi’s team conceded five goals on the opening AFCON qualifier. The Black Stars waited only 10 minutes to find the back of the net. Ghana captain, Asamoah Gyan, opened the score sheet early on with a powerful header which slipped past the goalkeeper after deflecting off the Ethiopian defender, Aschalew Tamene.
The Walias did not look organized at all. Petro Jet’s Shimelis Bekele and Oumed Okuri of El Entag El- Harby attempted to press the Ghanaian side but could not manage to get on the score sheet.
In the Kumasi match, the Black Stars were better organized in every part of the pitch. Holland-based midfielder Thomas Agyepong, who was making his international debut for Ghana, looked promising for the home side.
Walias coach is expected to come up with new players and formation for the next AFCON qualifier match against Sierra Leone, which will be held in Addis Ababa on the March 23, 2018. Substitute goalkeeper Jemal Tasew, who was part of Ethiopia’s 2012 AFCON final team, is anticipated to be on the first lineup for Sierra Leone match.
thereporterethiopia.com
