The Ethiopian National team have booked their place in the AFCON 2021 tournament hosted by Cameron despite losing Tuesday’s last round of games to Ivory Coast. A goalless draw between Madagascar and Niger meant that 9 points was enough for The Walias.
It was the hosts who opened the scoring in this decider with Wolverhampton’s Willy Bony heading in from a corner in the 3rd minute. Ivory Coast doubled their lead in the 19th minute after a penalty was awarded in what looked like a soft challenge. Frank Kessie converted from the spot and the teams went into the break with this scoreline.
Ethiopia finally managed to find the back of the net through Getaneh Kebede in the 74th minute but Ivory Coast regained their two goal advantage within minutes through Jean Kouassi.
The game was called off in the 80th minute as the referee collapsed on the pitch and was rushed to hospital. The 4th official couldn’t take over as he was Ivorian so the game was called off and it ended 3-1. But the scoreline didn’t matter for Ethiopia because Madgascar were unable to get a compulsory win against Niger.
This is the first time The Walias qualify for AFCON since the historic tournament in South Africa 2013.
© SOCCER ETHIOPIA
