Ethiopia upbeat ahead of Malawi trip
Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes are confident of doing well against the Flames in next Wednesday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier at the Kamuzu Stadium.
The Ethiopia’s Antelopes coach Mariano Barreto told the international press that they are determined to atone for Saturday’s home 2-1 loss to Algeria who are also in Malawi’s Group E.
“We played against a big team but we made them look ordinary in Addis Ababa. It was a tough game and we had numerous chances but failed to convert as their keeper was very impressive,” the Portuguese coach is quoted on www.supersport.com.
“We wanted a win at home at all costs but it did not happen but that doesn’t mean we will lose hope as its only our first game and we have to go the drawing board and take note of our mistakes before we meet with Malawi on Wednesday away from home.”
Barreto earlier told the press in Addis Ababa that they camped in Brazil between August 8 and 26 2014 to fine-tune for the Group B double-header including a home meeting with Algeria who beat them 2-1 on Saturday.
“Victory in the friendly matches was not our target. The important thing was to test our players. Brazil is a football country, where close to 70 to 80 million people are playing football,” the Portuguese coach is quoted on www.cafonline.com.
“It is also the topmost exporter of footballers in the world. Three weeks in such a country was very useful for the players and will be useful in the game against Algeria and Malawi.”
While Malawi faced Mali this Saturday without a warm-up match, while in Brazil the Ethiopians drew 2-2 with Anapolina and 1-1 with Club Gama. Their losses were against Club do Reamo (1-0), Luziana (1-0) and Brasiliense (2-0).
“It is rare to get this kind of access in a football country like Brazil. Our stay in Brazil was quite interesting. We trained twice daily whilst professional goalkeepers and fitness coaches were involved during the training session,” Barreto added.
Malawi drew against Ethiopia in the two teams’ last meeting. The Flames last qualified for 2010 Africa Cup Nations in Angola, whereas Ethiopia qualified for the 2013 edition in South Africa, their first in 31-years. Their best record was being crowned African champions in the 1962 edition on home soil.
