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Minnows Ethiopia and Burkina Faso lock horns in a must win encounter for both teams on Friday as far as qualification to the quarter-finals of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations is concerned.
Following a clean bill of health by the medical team, both coaches are expected to retain squads that did duty in the first game, save for a forced change by the Walya Antelopes with Sefnet Bishaw expected to call upon the services of reserve custodian Zerihun Tadele in the absence of suspended Jemal Tessaw, following his red card.
Bishaw will be hoping his charges pick up from where they left off against Zambia's Chipolopolo in the opening game.
The east Africans earned several plaudits for a display that secured them a credible draw against the defending champions, despite playing for more than an hour with ten men.
On the other hand, Burkina Faso's Stallions will feel prepared for this duel, and take comfort in the encouraging display in the 1-1 stalemate against Nigeria's Super Eagles in their first game.
Both coaches seem satisfied with the results earned thus far and have promised to prepare their players to build on from that form.
"Playing Zambia in the opening game was a very difficult task. Our players now need to gather confidence and get into their stride immediately because our next achievement is to prevail against Burkina Faso," said Ethiopia coach Bishaw at a press conference.
"Ethiopia will not be easy. They are very confident and I believe they have produced the surprise result of the tournament so far. With accurate finishing, they would have beaten Zambia. We will be ready for them," declared Paul Put to reporters.
Alain Traore, who struck at the death to deny Nigeria maximum points, will be the key man once again for the Stallions alongside midfielder Jonathan Pitroipa, who caused a great deal of trouble during the match.
Pitroipa will likely be supporting captain Moumouni Dagano and Traore, and the pair have more than enough natural ability to test Zerihun Tadele and the defenders charged with protecting Ethiopia’s goal.
Ethiopia’s hopes will once again be pegged on Adane Girma, who secured the vital draw against Zambia in the opening contest.
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