I am still applauding Ethiopia's display today against Nigeria. I have always championed African coaches being allowed to coach their own country. It's not being racist, it's just that why can't a black man do what a white man does? So to see Sewnet Bishaw put out an Ethiopian team that pretty much nullified the African champions and caused all sorts of problems in their defence...I have to sit back and just clap my hands for what he did.
There is NOTHING else Bishaw could have done tactically today. Ethiopia were perfect. For a weaker team who man for man were inferior to Nigeria, they had an OUTSTANDING game. But, it all began with how Bishaw put his team out. He pressed Mikel and ensured that he was not allowed ANY TIME AT ALL on the ball. He forced his team to fight and be FIRST TO EVERY SINGLE BALL THAT WAS IN MIDFIELD. And he exploited the runs of Echiejile and Ambrose and used the wingers to devastating effect. With his main man Said, he ensured that he was in the ball in dangerous areas and he had SEVERAL chances to hurt Nigeria.
What impressed me was how well Ethiopia played. This was not Greece in 2004. This was a team that moved the ball quickly, had flicks, and were constantly moving. When they attacked, you saw the various ideas they had and they were not afraid of expressing themselves. In short, they showed TOTAL DISRESPECT to Nigeria, and played around with them. Bishaw may congratulate his boys for a brave and perfect game...but deep down he will know they should have won this match. It was there to be won.
There is more football to be played and from what I see, this is NOT over yet. Ethiopia have shown they can match Nigeria for quality and can hurt them. So with tightening up the defence, and continuing that tough fight in midfield....Ethiopia could still produce one of the great shocks in Africa.
HH
