In group contest first match is decisive, Fasil Tekalign
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - St. George assistant coach Fasil Tekalign said that in group competition a win in the first leg is very important as it gives encouragement for the remaining five matches. The assistant coach had chat with Cafonline.com in connection to the CAF Confederation group stage first leg match against Stade Malien on Sunday at the Addis Ababa stadium.
Cafonline.com: Do you have information about the Malian side?
Fasil Tekalign: Yes, we have information about the Malian side. We know that they are experienced sides. But we also have the experience in international club competitions. This season we played against strong African clubs like the Egyptian Zamalek side. They (Zamalek) lifted the African Champions League title for five times. When you face the African giant like Zamalek you really get experience. With this experience we are confident to win over Stade De Malien.
Cafonline.com: Are you well prepared for this specific game?
Fasil Tekalign: We don’t make special preparation for one or two teams. The players have been together for long for the local and international competitions. Most of our players were in the national team for the match against Rwanda but after the Sunday match, all of them gathered on Tuesday. We did coordination and tactical work which is very helpful for the match against the Stade De Malien side on Sunday. We are in good form.
Cafonline.com: Do you have injury problem?
 Fasil Tekalign: No we don’t have injury problem. Our players are in good form and all of them are ready to win in this crucial first leg match.
Cafonline.com: Striker Shimeles Bekele will not be in the line up. Will that affect you?
Fasil Tekalign: Yes, his absence will have some impact. He is a very creative player. His capacity to score goals is also appreciable. But in this match he will not be in the line up due to two yellow cards. We have a young midfielder in his place. In any case he began a transfer deal to Libya. So it is highly likely that he will not be with us for next season. Due to this we have already brought a young and new midfielder to replace him.
Cafonline.com: Adane Girma didn’t play for the last Sunday national team match against Rwanda.
Fasill Tekalign: Now he is with us. He began training with the other players as of last Monday. He will be ready for the Sunday crucial match.
Cafonline.com: Oumed Ukuri was also out of the country for a deal to transfer to other club.
Fasill Tekalign: So far all our players are back for this competition. Oumed Ukuri was in best form before he went for vacation. His performance is still good in the training.
Source: CAFOnline.com
