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.