Sahle: We have to be vigilant

Ethiopia will play as guests of on Friday, 25 March 2016 in a Group J Day 3 clash in Blida as the battle for a place at AFCON 2017 gathers momentum.

Walias coach Yohannes Sahle has declared that his charges are ready for the battle with the Fennecs, who are two-points clear at the top.

“As matter of fact, we are not afraid of them (Algeria). Nonetheless, we respect them just like we respect any other side. Our plan is not to commit a lot of mistakes in the first leg. Since the return leg will be played within four days, we will go out there to snatch a better result that can be a morale booster for the second leg; likewise we must conserve our energy,” he said.

Sahle has cautioned his team to be wary of the North Africans, who have yet to drop a point in the campaign.

“We should be vigilant and very watchful of what we do on the pitch,” added the former international.

The Ethiopia coach has come under increasing pressure in recent months following the Walias disappointing performance at the recent African Nations Championship in Rwanda, whilst the turning down of a call-up by experienced forward Salahdin Said has compounded issues.

“I have heard people saying that Salahdin declined the national team recall due to a personal grudge. The truth is he (Salahdin) asked us not to be included because he is not physically and mentally ready for the game. We have talked through it with him and he has been encouraging the players during our preparations,” added Sahle.

In the absence of Salahdin, South Africa based striker Getaneh Kebede also told CAFonline.com the burden of hitting the back of the net rest on his shoulders and that of Dawit Fikadu.

“Everybody expect goals from us. Evidently, there is a huge responsibility on the two of us,” stated the University of Pretoria forward.

Kebede has scored twice for the University of Pretoria this season and also bagging two assists in the process, but insists the Algerians will be a hard nut to crack.

“Algeria is a very strong side. As we know, they are star-studded team with the majority of their players plying their trade in major European leagues. These two games will decide our fate in the qualifiers so we will try our best to collect some points.”

Sahle has since named Dashen Bira midfielder Asrat Megeressa, captain for the double-header in the absence of Seyoum Tesafye.