The Walias End Afcon Qualifying Bid with Narrow Loss to Egypt

Ethiopia ended their unsuccessful Africa Cup of Nations 2023 qualifying campaign with a 0-1 loss to Egypt away from home.

The two teams played their final match in the qualifiers in Cairo’s June 30 stadium on Friday evening.

The Walia Ibex were forced to defend deep as the Pharaohs pushed for the opening goal in the early stages of the encounter and Mohamed Abdelmonem was denied by goalkeeper Seid Habtamu in the 22nd minute.

The hosts deservedly broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Mostafa Fathi scored from close range after Seid had parried the ball into the attacker’s path.

The first half ended with Egypt leading 1-0.

Ethiopia came back as an improved side after the restart and Shemelis Bekele had a chance to score in the 58th minute.

The captain was denied by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy who also saved an effort from Abel Yalew in the 78th minute.

The Pharaohs were then able to contain Walia Ibex and ultimately, the match ended in a 1-0 victory to Egypt, who avenged the 2-0 defeat they suffered against Ethiopia in June last year.

The defeat brought Ethiopia’s disappointing qualifying Campaign to an end as they finished fourth in the Group D standing, having collected just 4 points from six games.

Current silver-medalists from the last edition Egypt meanwhile are through to the 2023 tournament topping the group with 15 points and they are joined by Guinea with 9 points.

Result: Egypt (Fathi 37′) 1 – 0 Ethiopia

Egypt: El-Shenawy, Hany, Gabr, Abdelmonem, Hamdi (El Fotouh 90’+1), Hamada, Fathy (Morsy 90’+1), Attia (Adel 67′), Fathi (Zizo 77′), Marmoush (Hamed 67′), Mohamed.

Ethiopia: Seid, Henok, Amanuel, Aschalew, Ramadan, Gatoch, Kenean (Wegene 66′), Surafel (Shimelis 46′), Cherenet (Fitsum 46′), Abel, Dawit (Tadessa 81′).

EM/SS