Bishaw aims to net Eagles
by Iwedi Ojinmah 29 January 2013, 10:34
Ethiopia‘s coach Sewnet Bishaw is not mincing words. He wants to beat Nigeria. If he does this and Burkina Faso avoids defeat (ie, win or draw) against Zambia. Ethiopia advances.
This means that Burkina Faso would top the group with 6/7 points, Ethiopia would finish second with 4 points, while Zambia and Nigeria would exit with 2/3 points and 2 points respectively.
The coach also knows Nigeria very well. Despite being mauled in Lagos by four goals during the last Afcon qualifications his team almost beat the Eagles in the Addis return game. Only a Yobo header in the last minute pulled out a 2-2 draw.
Bishaw remembers this and actually claims this draw denied the Eagles their first Afcon ticket in 17 years. Many would agree other than the Guineans.
To beat Nigeria he knows his 19 year old replacement GK Zerihun Tadele in for the still suspended Jamel Tasse, will have to have a game unlike anything he had when he last faced a team from West Africa.
He also knows Nigeria will lob the ball and that his defense will have to recover quickly against the likes of Emenike, Musa and the now the starting Uche.
Circa 15,000 Antelope fans have gathered en mass and will meet at the stadium to cheer Ethiopia and virtually make it a home game.
