Ethiopia

Ethiopia

The Ethiopia national football team, known as the Walias, is governed by the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) and competes within CAF. Ethiopia was one of Africa's early football powers, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1962 when they hosted and won the tournament, defeating Egypt in the final. They co-hosted the 1976 AFCON but missed the finals for decades before returning in 2021. The team plays home matches at Addis Ababa Stadium. Notable players include Girma Lema and Adane Girma. Ethiopia's 2021 AFCON qualification ended a 49-year absence from the tournament and generated enormous national pride. The squad is composed largely of domestic players, with efforts under coaches such as Wubetu Abate to professionalise the league and raise the standard of Ethiopian football.