Ethiopia pose a tough challenge, admits Williamson

Harambee Stars winger Timonah Wanyonyi (left) vies with Aboud Omar during a training session at the City Stadium on June 18, 2015. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |

What you need to know:

  • Stars host Ethiopia's Walya Antelopes on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium with a passage to the second round of the Chan qualifiers at stake.
  • The Gor Mahia forward was unplayable last Saturday bagging four goals against Chemelil Sugar to take his season tally to 11 in 16 league matches.

Harambee Stars head coach Bobby Williamson on Tuesday admitted that his charges face a grueling task in their bid to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Ethiopia in the Chan qualifiers.

Stars host Ethiopia's Walia Antelopes on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium with place in the second round of the Chan qualifiers at stake.

In an interview with Nation Sport, the Scot exuded confidence that with the support of the home crowd, they can turn tables on the visitors.

Stars were 2-0 losers in Bahir Dir in the first leg meeting ten days ago, and must score three unanswered goals against the Walia Antelopes to advance to round two of the qualifiers.

An aggregate win over Ethiopia will put them on a collision course with the winner between Djibouti and Burundi.

“The training is good, the boys are enthusiastic and working hard… from tomorrow (Wednesday) we will begin working on their shape.”

“We need not just a goal, but to score three, and I hope we will do well. It’s not going to be easy. Pressure is always there and it’s going to be there (on Saturday) having lost 2-0 away,” he explained.

In a bid to fix his erratic defence that has been a let-down in the last two outings, against Congo and Ethiopia, the Scot has brought on board Thika United skipper Dennis Odhiambo to the squad and he is hopeful that the left-footed utility man can bring something new.

“Dennis (Odhiambo) is a good player and he has been doing well and will be fighting for position.”

On his lead striker Michael Olunga, who is once again expected lead the line on Saturday, Williamson said: “He is improving every week and getting stronger. It’s good that he scored four goals. In my entire career, I just scored hat tricks, I don’t remember scoring four and that is good for him.”

FORM OF HIS LIFE

The Gor Mahia forward was unplayable last Saturday bagging four goals against Chemelil Sugar to take his season tally to 11 in 16 league matches.

The lanky Olunga added: “I’m just focusing on my game, I’m not under pressure but if given a chance, I will do my job.”

“We have a two-goal deficit, and we will face this match knowing that we need to score early goals.”

“There are many strikers in the team and whoever is chosen should be able to do well. If I get a chance, I’ll try and convert it, it should be the same for the other strikers.”