Ethiopia star player profiles

Ethiopia’s player to watch, rising star and a player that will be sorely missed at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Players to Watch: Adane Girma

Swedish-born attacker Yussuf Saleh merits some consideration on the back of his impressive performances at the 2012 CECAFA Cup. But our vote is for Adane Girma. Starting out as a defensive midfielder, Girma was turned into a striker following his move to Saint-George SA. He went on to flourish in this new role and has been one of the top strikers in the Ethiopian Premier League for the past five years. He is an integral part in the Ethiopian national team with a return of seven goals from 37 caps, including crucial goals in the 2013 AFCON qualifiers.

Rising Star: Alula Girma 

Minnesota Stars’ Fuad Ibrahim, who has represented the United States at U17 and U20 levels, scoring 13 goals for the country he grew up in, is a contender. But we are opting for Alula Girma. At 19, Girma is already one of his country’s mainstays. He has 19 caps to his name already, including the draw against South Africa in a World Cup qualifier and the win against Sudan. He is expected to partner captain Degu Debebe in the Black Lions defence. He could be key to his country’s progression to the latter rounds.

Sorely Missed: Fikru Teferra 

After captaining the Ethiopian national team to the 2012 CECAFA Cup quarter finals, Fikru Teferra has been left out of the 23-man squad for the tournament. The 26-year-old has won 29 caps for his country with a haul of seven goals. There are suggestions that playing in the lowly Vietnamese Super League cost the former SuperSport United forward his place in the side.

Source: football411.com