A battle between Ethiopia and Cape Verde is bound to produce a hard and enticing fixture. Neither side wants to lose their opening encounter considering their next opponents, but at the same time getting off the mark with three points is and should be the goal. It will be a tight affair, but an upset is on the cards!
Africa Cup of Nations – Group A
Sunday 9 January
Olembe Stadium
21:00
To Win
Ethiopia 37/10
Ethiopia 37/10
Draw 18/10
Cape Verde 17/20
Cape Verde 17/20
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a quality football team that goes under the radar. They have players who are able to run past the best of defenders as well as a build-up play from deep-lying playmakers but keep your eye on the attacking midfielder Shimelis Bekele.
The squad gave Ghana a run for their money in the recent World Cup qualifiers and they are a pleasure to watch! With the more quality finishing, which I would only assume coach Wubetu Abate worked on abundantly, they have a shot at taking this group should they take a good result over Cameroon.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde are a small nation, but they make up for it in big heart. Coming short by just two points against Nigeria, the team was visibly gutted drawing against the Super Eagles on the last round of fixtures.
Players who have yet to make a name for themselves on the domestic football scene tend to bring more when they play for their country in my opinion and having watched Cape Verde topple so called ‘bigger’ opposition in the past, the character they display will give them a shot at good results in this group.
Prediction: Ethiopia Win (37/10)
Like any nation participating, I believe all the teams come filled with pride to play for their country, so it takes more than just heart, it takes well coached team, and then quality players. I am backing Ethiopia for possessing two of those three qualities. The upset is on the cards here!
Written by Joshua Gaillard