School teacher’s dream threatens Eagles’ ambition

The Sunday clash between Ethiopia and Nigeria in Addis Ababa falls a little short of being likened to the battle between David and Goliath as the Walia Antelopes have proved beyond doubt that their football is on the verge of regaining its pride again in Africa.

Following their appearance at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after a 31-year hiatus, the Ethiopians showed what quality they possess when they beat South Africa, Botswana and Central African Republic to the play-off ticket in Group A of the qualifying round despite losing points as penalty for fielding an ineligible player.

Ethiopia were a force to be reckoned with in African football until the early 1980s when the effect of a civil war started taking its toll on the country’s social life. But now, things are different as the entire nation dreams of being at the World Cup.

While the Ethiopian players will do the sweating against the Super Eagles tomorrow, the whole nation will be looking up to their coach, Sewnet Bishaw, whose dream has always been to lead the team to the World Cup.

Bishaw is convinced he has the squad that can beat Nigeria and he has sold the idea to everyone that cares to listen.

The 61-year old is a sports and physical education teacher who likes long walks and rides in minibuses. He has taught for many years in various secondary schools in Addis Ababa; a respected disciplinarian known for a direct approach to solving problems.

But, in spite of his vast knowledge in sports, the national team were the first he would coach.

He won the CECAFA Cup during his first spell as manager in 2005. His return in 2011 – after Tom Saintfiet’s resignation – yielded results as he helped Ethiopia qualify for the 2013 AFCON, their first since 1982.

And despite his serious concern about injuries in his team, Bishaw remains undaunted in his ambition to beat the reigning African champions that mauled the antelopes 2-0 at the AFCON in January.

“We have never reached the World Cup final before but we believe there is time for Ethiopia to get a place in that global football bonanza. This year we have reached this decisive group of ten where we have only two matches to play to make it to the World Cup finals. It is a do-or-die situation. I personally believe that on Sunday we don’t have any other option than to win,” Bishaw said.

The last time Ethiopia lost at home was against Sudan in May, 2011. A week after the 2-1 loss to their neighbours, they were held to a 2-2 draw by the Super Eagles in the return leg fixture in the qualifying round for the 2012 AFCON.

Bishaw added, “I know that Nigeria are one of the football power houses of Africa. They have appeared four times at the World Cup finals in 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010. But one must be aware that it’s not always the strong side that wins in the football competition. The results are determined after 90 minutes. We are the outsiders from the start.

“Nigerians didn’t get this big name by one stroke. Our successive wins in the qualifiers have given us belief and we have risen on the FIFA ranking (from 102nd to 93rd). Within Africa we have already begun to gain reputation. Now our target is to win over the strong Nigerian side and aim to take our country to the World Cup finals.

“This is a football match. We go to the pitch to win. But this doesn’t mean that the team that really wants success the most will win. If there is a set- back, we have to accept it. This is football. We will do everything possible to win.”

Nigeria have more highly rated players than their hosts this weekend, but the battle may just be won on the sidelines as Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, is expected to come up with tactics that can negate odds against his team in Addis Ababa.

Having coached Togo and Mali on different occasions before leading the Super Eagles to their first African title in 19 years, Keshi unarguably has a better record than Bishaw in coaching.

Key Players

Keshi’s success lies in his ability to stop the Ethiopians from causing any damage in the Sunday game. Beside the tactics, he must rely on some special players and at the same time, watch out for key some players in the Ethiopia squad. Against Malawi in Calabar, Keshi deployed three attacking midfielders – Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses and Nnamdi Oduamadi – to support the Emmanuel Emenike; it is not clear if he will adopt an attacking formation or a defensive tactic in Addis Ababa.

Emmanuel Emenike vs Degu Debebe

Emenike, who has to score for Fenerbhce this season, was on song when Nigeria beat Malawi in Calabar and Burkina Faso in Kaduna. His fighting spirit and ability to score from difficult angles will be required if he must have his way against the Ethiopian defence which has Debebe. The 29-year-old Ethiopia captain, who is noted for precision in his position, is one of the most capped Ethiopian players with 44 appearances and six league titles. He rarely gets caution.

Ahmed Musa/Victor Moses vs Abebaw Butako

Musa has been impressive with CSKA Moscow this season, featuring in all 12 league games so far and scoring five goals. His speed and dribble will be needed from the right wing to create chances for the attackers. But his importance in the game will be determined by Butako who is described as one of the most aggressive defenders in the Ethiopia squad. The 26-year-old, who plays alongside Debebe at Saint-George, already has 31 caps.

Keshi may also opt for Moses who has had a good season so far since joining Liverpool in the summer. Moses will need no introduction to the Ethiopian following his display at the 2013 AFCON where he scored two penalty goals against the Walia Antelopes.

Mikel Obi vs Adane Girma

The battle will begin and end in the midfield, placing Mikel and Adane in the spotlight. The Ethiopian is a utility and crafty player who can cover every blade of grass during the game. He is also good at long passes, but that depends if Mikel would allow the passes get through him. Mikel on the other hand may be forced to limit his movement upfront in order not to allow Adane operate effectively with the Ethiopian forwards. Coach Bishaw deployed Adane to a central position against Zambia at the AFCON, and with great skill and short passing, he managed to lead the team to a draw.

Mikel must not succumb to the temptations to move forward as this could create the opportunity for a counterattack from their hosts.

Godfrey Oboabona vs Oumed Oukri

Since injuries have sidelined Saladin Said, Oumed Oukri will most likely be the point man for Ethiopia.

While Oboabona has only played once for his club, Rizespor, this season, Oukri is a consistent player at Saint George FC in the Ethiopian Premier League. Oukri is swift, scoring nine goals in his 25 starts for the national team.