Ethiopia Vs Zimbabwe Preview, Team News & Predictions
Ethiopia welcome Zimbabwe to the Bahir Dar International Stadium on Tuesday as they clash in the FIFA World Cup qualifying second round group G encounter.
Zimbabwe Warriors come into the game under pressure after dropping two points in a 0-0 draw at home to South Africa on Friday matchday one of the qualifiers knowing that a lose to Walia Ibex today will see them anchoring right at the bottom of group G.
The teams last faced each other in November 1988, with Zimbabwe winning 2-1 away in the CECAFA Cup.
Ethiopia who suffered a slender 1-0 loss to African heavy weights Ghana’s Black Stars in their opening group match, are reeling in confidence after putting out a good show despite the loss.
The Walia Ibex have won three times in their last six World Cup qualifiers and are on a run of three consecutive home wins in all competitions. They are unbeaten in 8 out of 9 home games.
They are likely to use a 4-3-3 formation which they used in their last game against Ghana, with leading goalscorer Getaneh Kebede operating at the center of the attack.
Amanuel Gebremichael and Abubeker Nasir should also retain their spots in the side, while Yehun Endeshaw is likely to feature in the middle of the park for the home side.
Fasil Gebremichael is likely to start in goals for the Walias in place of the injured first choice goalie Balcha Shanko
On the other hand the Warriors who are desperate to put a win on the board ahead of a difficult clash away to Ghana on October 5, are on a six-game winless run in all competitions, and have won just once in 13 games since the appointment of coach Zdravko Logarusici.
They are likely to return a 4-2-3-1 formation they used against South Africa on Friday, with captain Knowledge Musona playing as the number 10.
Terrence Dzvukamanja will replace the injured Tinotenda Kadewere in the center forward position flanked by Khama Billiat and Perfect Chikwende on the right and left wings respectively.
Germany-based rising midfielder Jonah Fabisch is likely to be handed his Warriors debut replacing the veteran Thabani Kamusoko in the defensive midfield role.
The match will kick-off at 3pm in an empty Bahir Dar stadium after CAF refused Ethiopia Football Federations’ request to have few fans in the stadium.
The match will be officiated by Bernard Camille and deputised by assistant referees Hansley Danny Petrusi and Steve Jonathan Marie, all from the Seychelles.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are currently top of Group G after a convincing 1-0 Win at home to Ghana on Monday.
Probable Line-Ups|
Ethiopia : F Gebremichael; Tonjo, Tamene, Baye, Yesuf; Endeshaw, Solomon, Bekele; Nasir, Kebede, A Gebremichael
Zimbabwe: Shumba; Chimwemwe, Lunga, Mudimu, Bhasera; Fabisch, Munetsi; Billiat, Musona, Chikwende; Dzvukamanja
Score Prediction
Ethiopia 1-2 Zimbabwe