Poor AFCON showing forces Ethiopia to part ways with coach

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has mutually parted ways with head coach Yohannes Sahle a year before the expiration of the contract.

This follows the unimpressive performance of the Walia Antelopes in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers, where their chances of making the final tournament in Gabon hang on the slimmest of margins.

“The contract, which was signed on May 1, 2015, between Coach Sahle and the Federation has been terminated as of May 2, 2016 amicably,” EFF said in a statement.

Ethiopia part ways with Sahle https://t.co/AxDu5iPA9U

— CAF (@CAF_Online) May 3, 2016

Sahle replaced Portuguese Mariano Barreto in April 2015, but his term has been blighted by poor run of form in the AFCON and World Cup Qualifiers.

The former International came under heavy criticism after Ethiopia’s 7-1 drubbing against Algeria last March, that result it seems sounded the death knell.

The 49-year old guided Ethiopia to the finals of the Orange CHAN Rwanda 2016, but the Walias exited without a win and failed to go past the group stage.

Ethiopia are five points shy of Group J leaders Algeria, who have 10 points, and must win against Lesotho and Seychelles in September to remain in contention for one of the two best runner-up spots.