Ethiopia Beats Zimbabwe with 1-0 in World Cup Qualifiers

Addis Ababa, September 7, 2021 (FBC) – Ethiopia gave their 2022 World Cup qualification hopes a major boost with a 1-0 home win over Group G rivals Zimbabwe at the Bahir Dar Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

The result – secured by an injury-time penalty from Aschalew Tamene – sees the Walia Ibex join Ghana on three points, tied for second place, with South Africa leading on four points and the Warriors propping up the log with one point.

Ethiopia were proactive team through the first half, with attackers Amanuel Gebremichael, Abubeker Ahmed and Getaneh Kebede combining to force Zimbabwe onto the back foot for most of the first 45 minutes.

Yet the Walia Ibex struggled to create scoring opportunities, only once calling Warriors goalkeeper Talbert Shumba into serious action, as he kept out a drive from Kebede midway through the opening stanza.

Ethiopia looked set to be frustrated right to the final whistle, but their pressure paid dividends in injury time at the end of the game, as they earned a penalty call from referee Bernard Camille and Aschalew Tamene converted from the spot to secure a 1-0 victory.

Ethiopia will return to Group G action with back-to-back matches against South Africa in October, while Zimbabwe will face Ghana both home and away.