Ethiopia begin their campaign when they meet defending champions Zambia. The Walia Antelope, last took part in a Nations Cup tournament in 1982, having won the competition 20-years prior to that.

"We are happy to be here after 31 years," said Bishaw. "This has been achieved through very hard work and every player of the national team was eager to be part of the Africa Cup of Nations.

"People living in Addis and the whole of Ethiopia, they were very happy. Here also in Nelspruit we have met some Ethiopians who were very happy and we are working hard to keep that happiness."

Zambia’s coach Herve Renard said that he will not underrate any opponent and he hopes that past performances will motivate Zambia when the reigning champions kick off their first match against Ethiopia this evening.

The Frenchman spoke highly of the Ethiopian side and brushed aside any suggestions by Coach Sewnet Bishaw that the Ethiopians were at the tournament to make up the numbers.

“Ethiopia is a good team and we have a lot of respect for them because they have a lot of skilled players. They drew away to South Africa in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and they qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals tournament after they defeated Sudan,” said Renard.

“We don't live in the past. We learn from it. Ethiopia is a good passing team. We've seen them and their videos. We will be at our best," he added.

More than 3000 Ethiopians are expected to attend the match at the Mbombela Stadium this evening 17:00hr local time.