Birtukan G/Kiristos is back to Lucy camp

Arguably the best women footballer in the country Birtukan G/Kiristos was recalled to Ethiopian Women’s national side Lucy ahead of Wednesday’s big away clash against Libya for the 2018 CAF Women African Cup of Nations first round qualification match.
Twenty national teams play in two leg first round qualification fixtures, the winners will join the four teams who have a bye to the second round qualification matches. Seven teams that get through the second round qualification will join Ghana which qualified automatically as hosts.
Though Birtukan’s absence from the initial selection called for an avalanche from fans over head coach Selam Zeray, it is unlucky that her team mate’s sudden injury on Tuesday gave way to Birtukan’s return to the Lucy camp. The most experienced play maker and Lucy skipper Birtukan’s addition to the squad is likely to give a moral boosting to the team that is bound to Libya via Egypt today.
The twenty five player squad “Lucy” has been in camp since 13th March. They have been intensely preparing, including games against men’s youth sides. Except for three friendly matches against Men’s Youth teams including the Youth Academy, there haven’t been any exhibitions. “Selam could do nothing about organizing an international friendly and the Federation is nowhere around to support it,” suggested a coach who claims to be close to the boss.   “When it comes to Lucy’s preparation it is always a half-baked commitment from the Football Federation,” he added.
With the first leg match taking place on Wednesday the 4th, the return leg is scheduled for the tenth of April, 2018. Lucy are the favorites to go past the first qualification round.