The Walia Antelopes trainer anticipates a great
encounter against Nigeria as he dreams of
taking his country to their World Cup debut in
Brazil
Ethiopia coach Sewnet Bishaw has expressed
optimism about his team’s chances of making
it to their first World Cup as they face Nigeria
in the play-offs.
The Walia Antelopes were pitched against
African champions the Super Eagles in
Monday’s draw conducted in Cairo, Egypt. The
Antelopes are ranked 57 places below their
opponents
"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," Bishaw told
SuperSport.com .
"I am optimistic that if we can begin our
preparations as soon as possible we will get
positive results since we have drastically
improved since we last played Nigeria at the
Afcon.
“We have a huge ask 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.
After sailing through a second round group
that included South Africa, Botswana and the
Central African Republic, Ethiopia have 180
minutes standing between them and their
maiden World Cup appearance.
It is something that would delight the country
that only returned to their first international
competition this year after an absence of 31
years.
"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 coach’s dream,"
Bishaw said.
The first leg is expected to be played in Addis
Ababa between 11-15 October while the return
leg will take place between November 11-15 in
Nigeria.
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