Big reward awaits Ethiopia’s qualification for AFCON – Esayas Jira

The President of the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), Esayas Jira has said a big reward awaits the national team if they qualify for the Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ethiopia’s Walias brightened their chances of making it to the AFCON after a 4-0 win against Madagascar in a Group K match played at the Bahir Dar Stadium on Wednesday.

On Tuesday Ethiopia will place away to table leaders Ivory Coast in a game they can afford to draw to qualify.

“We rewarded the team after beating Madagascar and a bigger reward which will come from the government awaits the team if it qualifies,” said Jira.

The EFF president said that as a Federation they are happy with the hard work the technical team and the players are putting in to make sure Ethiopia is back to the AFCON stage. “We shall keep supporting the team to make sure we get a good result,” added the president.

Wubetu Abate, Ethiopia’s head coach said they are aware the match against Ivory Coast will be like a final. “We know what is at stake and the players have promised to work hard to get a good result,” added Abate.

Former African Champions Ivory Coast lead Group K with 10, while Ethiopia have 9 and Madagascar in third place have collected 7 points. Niger are placed bottom of the Group with 3 points.

Group K

                          P     W    D     L      GF    GA    GD     Pts

Ivory Coast    5     3      1      1        8       4        4       10

Ethiopia          5     3      0      2        9       3        6       9

Madagascar   5     2      1      2        9       9        0        7

Niger                5     1      0      4        3       13    -10      3