Michael Olunga says Harambee Stars will not underrate Ethiopia who they come up against on match day 4 of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification process on Sunday 14 October at the MISC Kasarani.
The Japan-based attacker noted that their opponents proved to be dangerous in the first meeting held in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia on Wednesday and has warned the team to expect nothing less from the Waaliya Antelopes on Sunday.
Aside from bring wary of their opponents, the former Girona FC forward is hoping Sebastien Migne’s charges can replicate the performance against Ghana on match day 2 that saw them earn their first points in Group F courtesy of a 1-0 win.
“They (Ethiopia) were very dangerous in the first leg meeting so we won’t underrate them. But we will have 90 minutes and I believe we can do it just the way we did it against Ghana. We urge the fans to turn out in large numbers and support us and we will work hard to give our best on the pitch.
On Thursday, the government through the Ministry of Sports waived off the gate charges for the clash in a bid to make it possible for fans to turn up in large numbers and support the team. And on Friday, Deputy President William Ruto cleared off the arrears owed to the team and promised more cash incentives if the team does indeed make it to Cameroon for next year’s continental showpiece.
A move that has been welcomes by Olunga, “We thank the government for their initiative and we urge them to continue supporting the team,” he said.
Harambee Stars top Group F with four points and will be keen to extend their lead over second placed Ghana who have three points, with a win on Sunday. Ghana are inactive in the round following FIFA’s decision to suspend Sierra Leone from all footballing activities.