Ethiopia is having great preparatory matches ahead of the 2013 African Cup of Nation in South Africa next week. The Walia Antelopes who have already defeated Niger 1-0 and held the former champions Tunisia to a 1-1 draw has just defeated Tanzania 2-1 this weekend.

Two goals in each half by the United States based Fuad Ibrahim and Shemelese Bekele sealed the victory. Fuad, who was born in Dire Dawa, has an illustrative resume. He played for the United States U-17 team, FC Dallas and FC Toronto. He is currently playing for the Minnesota Stars FC.

Ethiopia is in Group C with Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Zambia. Defending champions Zambia and twice winners Nigeria are considered favorites from Group C to move to the next round. But Ethiopia’s veteran coach Sewnet Bishaw has warned that strikers like Saladin Said could create major trouble to both Zambia and Nigeria.

The presence outsiders like Ethiopia in this year’s tournament has made many expert to weigh in. According to Reuters, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger told a news conference on Friday that this years Cup was an interesting platform.

"It is maybe the only international competition today where you do not know all the players. This time in South Africa you will have Ethiopia - if I ask you to name five Ethiopian players, I am sure you will have a problem,"

In response Ethiopia coach Sewnet Bishaw said his largely home-based contingent would be out to to prove their qualification was no fluke.

"Wenger is absolutely right. But that will help our team, that we are unknown in this tournament," Sewnet told Reuters. "I am sure that will not be the case at the end of the tournament for everyone, including Arsene.

"Our confidence is sky high. We are looking at going as far as we can with the first aim being the quarter-finals."