Eritrea’s captain Robel Teklemichael has said they do not fear facing the Ethiopian team as the CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup kicks-off this afternoon in Bahir Dar.

Originally the hosts Ethiopia were meant to face Eritrea in a Group B match on Sunday, but the fixture was revised and the two teams will clash today.

“Facing Ethiopia is just like any ordinary match. There is nothing speacil, only that they are playing at home,” said Teklemichael at Unison Hotel on Friday.

He said they will take to the ground all determined to try and get a good result.

The Ethiopian coach Webetu Abate said his team has prepared well and will be hungry to start on a winning note. “Facing our brothers from Eritrea will not be that easy,” added Abate.

On Sunday Uganda will face DR Congo in the first Pool A match, before Djibouti take on Kenya in a Group C match.

The CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup which has attracted nine teams is the 2021 season opening competition for the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA).

Meanwhile, two Eritrean match officials have also been selected to official at the CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup. Teklu Mogos Tsegay (referee) and Eyobiel Micahel Gebru (assistant referee) are the officials selected.