2013 Africa Cup of Nations Team Profile: Ethiopia

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations is fast approaching, and the 16 teams that will be aiming to become continental champions have been decided.

The 2013 Afcon takes place from 19 January to February 10, and it is to be held in the 2010 World Cup host nation, South Africa.

History will be written on February 10 at Soccer City in Johannesburg, as the 29th Africa Cup of Nations comes to a climax and a winner is crowned.

Goal.com introduces you to the 16 teams that will be taking part in this highly-anticipated competition. Here we profile The Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.

AFCON HISTORY

Best Performance	Winners - 1962
Champions	1962
Runners-Up	1957
Third Place	None
Fourth Place	1968

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

Ethiopia progressed to the final qualifying round after overcoming Benin with away goals providing the path after two matches. The side eventually reached the Afcon finals thanks to a 2-0 victory after strikes from Adane Girma and Saladine Said, and once again the away goals rule ensured that they would return to the competition after a 31-year absence at the expense of the Nile Crocodiles of Sudan, who had won the first leg match played in Khartoum 5-3.

THE COACH | SEWNET BISHAW

Respected coach Sewnet Bishaw is fancied by many in the east African region to lead his charges to a respectable showing at the 2013 Afcon. The veteran tactician has enjoyed successful stints with clubs in the Ethiopian League and at Yemen top flight side Ahly Senaa, before assuming the role of Ethiopian head coach.

Some of the notable results he has managed at the helm of the squad include the aggregate win over Sudan to qualify for the 2013 Afcon, and the draw away to South Africa in a World Cup qualifier.

THE CAPTAIN | DEGU DEBEBE

The lanky but mobile defender has been a mainstay in the Black Lions' central defence for the past decade. He carries a wealth of experience to the team from both club and country.

Yet another product of Ethiopia's most successful club, he has won four league titles since joining St Georges from Arba Textile eight years ago. He is expected to lead the team from the backline at the Nations Cup, with his experience and determination set to be put to the test.

THE STAR PLAYER | ADANE GIRMA

Adane Girma will be play an integral part in Ethiopia's performance and during the upcoming 2013 Afcon tournament. Over the past five years, the defensive midfielder turned striker has played an influential role in the relative success of the east African nation on the football pitch.

During the 2013 Afcon qualifiers, the 27-year-old calmly dispatched the all-important penalty that helped Ethiopia eliminate Benin on away goals in the preliminary round, then following his impressive form by scoring the opening goal as Ethiopia secured their first Afcon trip in three decades at the expense of neighbours Sudan. Girma has also been successful at club level, assisting St George's to clinch the Ethiopian league title on four occasions during his six-year stint.

THE EMERGING TALENT | ALULA GIRIMA

Barely out of his teenage years, Alula Girima has grown in stature for both club and country, having featured for the national team in all of their recent duels, including the aggregate win over Sudan and the draw against South Africa in a Rustenberg World Cup qualifier.

The Saint Georges player's displays have attracted rave reviews and interest from clubs in Egypt and Tunisia. He is expected to be a permanent fixture in the Black Rhinos rear guard during the Afcon group stage matches against Nigeria, Zambia and Burkina Faso.

PROBABLE LINEUP

(4-4-2)
Tassew
Debebe, Bekel, Seid, Megersa
Kebede, Bogale, Elyas, Teshome
Tesfaye, Girma