Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Sewnet Bishaw Ethiopia’s national team coach, is not fazed Africa's champion Nigeria in the upcoming World Cup qualifying playoffs.
The coach said that they will not underrate the African champions whom he went ahead to described as a very good team and intimated that the Ethiopians will embark on early preparations as they have an advantage because the bulk of their players home coach.
“This is not the time to lament on the opposition we have since all the 10 teams that qualified were equally good and up to the task. Nigeria are a very good side and we cannot underrate them but the secret will be to work extremely hard and use the home ground advantage before going away which is always a difficult hunting ground.”
“I am optimistic that if we can begin our preparations as soon as possible then we will get positive results. We have drastically improved since we last played Nigeria at the Afcon. We have a huge task ahead of us and as you know the entire country is expectant of good results and we cannot afford to let them down at this important time,” Bishaw said
“No one dreamt of Ethiopia being at this stage but now we remain with two important matches that will help shape our destiny and determine if we will qualify for the World Cup which is every player and coaches dream,” Bishaw added.
The first leg will be played between 11-15 October with the host choosing on the exact date while the return leg will be played between November 11-15th.
Ethiopia finished top of Group A despite being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player against Botswana.
