By Admin,

Ethiopia National team Walia Ibex have suffered a huge blow ahead of their do or die Afcon 2015 matches against Mali and Malawi at home after it was announced that lethal striker Salhadin Said had been ruled out for six weeks with a serious Calf injury.

The unfortunate news was delivered by Al Ahly team doctor Ehab Ali who informed coach Juan Carlos Garrido about Sala’s predicament just days ahead of their win over Cameroon side Coton Sport in a CAF Confederation cup semi final match.

Salhadin Said was injured on his debut for Al Ahly  in the win over arch rivals Zamalek in the Egyptian Super Cup in which he also scored from the penalty shoot out.

The news comes as a blow to the preparations for coach Mariano Barreto who will miss the services of the important experienced striker that has played a crucial role in Ethiopia’s rise in recent years.

Sala was on the mark from the penalty spot when Ethiopia lost 1-2 to No 1 African team Algeria in an Afcon 2015 qualifer played in Addis Ababa.

25 year old Sala’s absence will mean Barreto will depend on Umed Ukuri of Al ittihad Alexandria and Getaneh Kebede of Bidvest Wits as Sala will have to remain in Egypt for treatment and observation by the team doctors.

The injury comes as a big blow for Salaa who just recently signed a lucrative 5 year contract with the Egyptian giants joining from Wadi Degla where he was a key player.Sala was the first Ethiopian ever to win a trophy in Egypt.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com