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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