By Admin,

Ethiopia Walia Ibex coach Mariano Barreto is optimistic the friendly match against Uganda Cranes on the 9th of November in Kampala will go along way in preparing the team ahead of crucial Afcon 2015 qualifiers between Malawi at home and Algeria away in Algiers.

Barreto is is back from his native Portugal on vacation after the sublime win over Mali away from home alluded to the fact that the friendly would give him an opportunity to access the players after the break.

” The friendly against Uganda Cranes is important as it will give me an opportunity to look at my players speed,efficiency and coordination so that we can make amends where possible.Uganda is a very good side with talented players and it will be a good practice match to take stock of the gains we have made and correct any mistakes”Barreto spoke exclusively to Soka25 east.com

Walia Ibex resume preparations with 29 players called up by the Portuguese who will later trim the team to 23 players for the final squad.will eventually be trimmed to about 23. Ethiopia play Algeria on the 15th of November, before hosting Malawi at home four days later. This of course is if Malawi’s football federation heads manage to find the funds needed, as reports have suggested they may pull out of the qualifiers altogether due to financial constraints.

Salhadin Said has been ruled out of the match with aggregated harm string injury while keeper Sisay Bancha appears to be out of the game after he was injured in the game against Mali where he was substituted and he has not been available for his club Dedebit since the Ethiopian premier league commenced.

BIdvest Wits striker Getaneh  Kebede is out suspended, after being red carded against Mali and has therefore been ruled out.red card against Mali.

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