CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup: Ethiopia face tough Burundi hurdle

Hosts Ethiopia will face a tough test when they battle Burundi in their last Pool B match at the on-going regional CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup in the town of Bahir Dar.

Ethiopia who started the tournament with a 3-3 draw against Eritrea will need to register a win if they hope to make it to the next knock out stage.

Burundi who lead Pool B after their 3-0 victoy against Eritrea can afford to settle for a draw to qualify for the semi final stage as table leaders.

But Wubetu Abate, the Ethiopian coach has made it clear that the match against Burundi is like a final to them. “I have told my players to go and give 100%. We need to be effective at the front and also be cautious in defending because Burundi will not be an easy team,” added Abate.

All eyes will be on the Ethiopian captain Abubeker Nasir Ahmed who netted a brace against Eritrea and will be expected to carry his team in-front of home fans.

Burundi’s coach Jimmy Ndayizeye made it clear that facing a home team is never easy. “We know what to expect because Ethiopia play a highly passing game and we must employ a strategy that will stop them,” added Ndayizeye.

Pool B table standing

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Burundi 1 1 0 0 0 3 3 3
Ethiopia 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 1
Eritrea 2 0 1 1 3 6 -3 1