Things are thick for Ethiopia in Group F after Fifa banned Sierra Leone following government interference.
The Walya Antelopes had registered a 1-0 win against the West African side a couple of weeks ago, but after the recent developments it means they are bottom of the Group with no point after suffering an embarrassing 5-0 defeat against Ghana in the opener.
As it stands, Kenya celebrated the decision by Fifa to ban Sierra Leone, after that heartbreaking 2-1 loss in the Group F opener. The Sebastien Migne coached side redeemed their chances of making it to Cameroon next year after, against all odds, after beating favorites Ghana by a solitary goal.
Probable Ethiopia XI: Asefa, Tesfaye, Kassim, Tamene, Adugna, Zeleke, Belay, Bekele, Assefa, Okuri and Kebede
Harambee Stars will have to do without the services of the injured David Owino and the suspended duo of Joash Onyango and Ayub Timbe. Victor Wanyama and Brian Mandela are however, available for selection after missing the Ghana tie
Probable Kenya XI: Matasi, Otieno, Omar, Musa, Ochieng, Odhiambo, Wanyama, Johanna, Ovela, Ouma and Olunga.
Bahir Dar Stadium will host the 43rd meeting between the two sides; and something interesting is that the Walya Antelopes have never lost a match in this Stadium that is about four years old.
It will be the second time in four years that Kenya will be playing in the same venue. In 2015, they suffered a 2-0 defeat during the Chan qualifiers and they will be aiming at getting something positive this time round.
Kenya has not won any of their last four matches against Ethiopia, and in the 42 previous outings, the Walya antelopes have managed 18 wins, 10 draws and fourteen defeats.
A win for Kenya will double their points tally to six in Group F and a real chance of making it to the 2019 Afcon finals, while Ethiopia will revive their campaign back on track with a win.