Addis Ababa – Ethiopia advanced to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals on the away goals rule after beating Sudan 2-0 in Addis Ababa on Sunday.
The Walya Antelopes needed to overturn a 5-3 defeat from the first leg and they did just that through Adane Girma and Saladine Said in the second half.
It was a tense affair from the first whistle as neither side wanted to give away too much early on, but as they game progressed, Ethiopia knew they had to take a couple risks while Sudan seemed content to sit back in defence.
The first 45 minutes produced very little goal mouth action as neither side looked to over-expose themselves.
The second 45, however, was much different as Ethiopia pushed forward more and more, and were finally rewarded for their efforts.
Sewnet Bishaw‘s side struck the first on 61 minutes through attacking full-back Adane Girma who produced a fine finish to see his side with a chance of qualification.
Egypt-based Saladine Said, who was an unused substitute in the first leg tie, snatched the much-needed second goal three minutes later to complete the Ethiopians comeback.
The remainder of the game produced a cagey affair as Sudan turned from full out defence into an attack-minded side, but Ethiopia were able to keep them at bay.
Their efforts ensured the Black Lions returned to the competition after a 31-year absence by the time the tournament kicks off in South Africa.
Ethiopia last played at the Nations Cup finals in Libya in 1982 and they had to do that without first-choice goalkeeper Sisay Bancha and defender Abebaw Butako who were sent off in Khartoum last month.
They will know their Group opponents for the finals when the draw is held in Durban on October 24.
Source: SuperSport.com
አርኪ ጨዋታ፣ አርኪ ዉጤት። ለሁሉም ይመች።
It is spectacular to see our boys coming to South Africa for 2013 African cup of nations after so long. It is wonderful that they broke the stumbling block after 31 years. Let us leave this part of our history behind us and look forward to keep the momentum. The goal is not to reach the final but to lift the trophy. Yes why not? The boys seem very hungry to change our football history. For me, it is wonderful if this group of boys work hard and reach the last four of the final tournament. It will be difficult for me to pick one or two individuals and thank, however, special thanks goes to all and in particular to the coach; EGIZIABHER YIBARKILIN, YABERTALIN. Soccer is a team work I am thankful to all departments of the team. Allow me to thank the two scorers of the day ADANE (EWNETM ADANE) and SALADIN. Slightly more goes to SALADAN because of what he did in South Africa; he shut the moths of the chauvinists out there. I learnt my lesson from “BALEGEN ANDE SIDEBEW KEZA ERASUN SISEDIB YINORAL” and thus I do not want to repeat what the few said; but Saladin proved them wrong. Thank Saladin! ATO SEWINET and the BOYS very well know what the next task is. GO GO GO more and more….
good i was hope that congr may country ethiopia
Very nice results in futball, congratulations for my Ethiopians brothers.
Goood job happy 4ethioia
It is great result the player record history … congratulation to Ethiopian people .. this history should gift to Ethiopian people .. not to any one …
A well deserved victory..Congrats to our boys
I am glad we did it ! After all, I wish black lions good luck
:)
[...] Posted by Markos Berhanu on Oct 14th, 2012 // No Comment [...]
wow amazing