(CNN) -- Life had not quite worked out the way Fuad Ibrahim had planned. A few years ago the whole world was laid out at the 21-year-old American striker's feet. Ibee, as he is known by his coaches and teammates, was considered one of the most naturally talented players ever to emerge in U.S. soccer. He was quickly brought into the national team set up, playing in every game at the Under-17 World Cup finals. At the age of 16 he was the second youngest player ever to be drafted into the MLS. Perhaps prophetically, the youngest was Freddy Adu, a name that has become a euphemism for talent unfulfilled.
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This weekend sees the start of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa
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Former winners Ethiopia have qualified for their first AFCoN in 31 years
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In the squad is former U.S. Under-20 international Fuad Ibrahim
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The 21-year-old raised in Minnesota before being picked up by Ethiopia
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