Ethiopia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are still alive, but the road ahead is daunting.
As they gear up to face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Stade de Martyrs on Saturday evening, the Walia are determined to turn their fortunes around and reignite their campaign.
Kick-off is set for 18:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2), and all eyes will be on this crucial Group H encounter.
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Ethiopia’s AFCON Qualification Struggles
Ethiopia’s journey to the 2025 AFCON has been challenging, to say the least. The Walia have only managed one point so far in the qualifiers, earned during their goalless draw with Tanzania in their opening match. Since then, they have suffered three consecutive defeats—twice to DR Congo and once to Guinea—leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Interim coach Mesay Teferi has stepped in following the departure of Gebremedhin Haile, but the team’s struggles persist. Ethiopia has scored just one goal in their last six competitive matches, exposing a glaring weakness in their attack.
“We don’t have a potent No. 9,” Haile admitted in a recent interview. “We’ve scored just once in six games. This isn’t something we are proud of, but we must address it, even though it won’t happen overnight.”
Tanzania: A Glimmer of Hope in Group H
Tanzania’s campaign has been slightly more promising. The Taifa Stars sit third in Group H with four points. After their draw with Ethiopia, they secured a crucial 2-1 win against Guinea, thanks to a late winner by Mudathir Yahya. However, their momentum was halted by back-to-back defeats to group leaders DR Congo.
Despite their mixed results, Tanzania will be confident heading into this fixture. A win could boost their chances of securing a top-two finish in the group and advancing to the AFCON finals.
Key Players to Watch
In matches like these, individual brilliance can often make the difference. Here are the players to keep an eye on:
Canaan Markneh (Ethiopia):
The attacking midfielder scored Ethiopia’s only goal in the qualifiers during their 4-1 defeat to Guinea. With the team’s forwards struggling to find the net, Markneh’s creativity and ability to score from midfield will be crucial.
Mudathir Yahya (Tanzania):
A reliable presence in Tanzania’s midfield, Yahya was the hero in their victory against Guinea, scoring a late winner. The 28-year-old, who plays for Young Africans SC, is known for his composure and leadership on the pitch.
Head-to-Head: Ethiopia vs. Tanzania
The history between Ethiopia and Tanzania suggests a competitive match is on the cards. In their seven previous encounters:
- Ethiopia has won three times.
- Tanzania has managed just one victory.
- Three matches have ended in draws, including their last encounter.
With Ethiopia desperate for a win and Tanzania looking to build on their position in Group H, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter.
What’s at Stake for Ethiopia and Tanzania?
Ethiopia’s Situation:
Ethiopia must win to keep their AFCON hopes alive. A defeat or even a draw would effectively end their campaign, leaving them with little to play for in their remaining fixtures. Interim coach Mesay Teferi has a tough job ahead as he attempts to rally his players and inspire a turnaround.
Tanzania’s Opportunity:
For Tanzania, a win would keep them in contention for a top-two finish in Group H. With DR Congo looking strong at the top of the table, the Taifa Stars need to secure all three points to stay ahead of Guinea and maintain pressure on the group leaders.
The Challenges Facing Ethiopia
One of the biggest hurdles for Ethiopia is their lack of firepower up front. Former coach Gebremedhin Haile has been vocal about the team’s inability to field a clinical striker, and the numbers back him up. Scoring just one goal in six matches highlights a problem that has plagued the Walia throughout their qualifying campaign.
On the defensive side, Ethiopia has struggled to contain opponents, conceding heavily in recent matches. Against a Tanzanian side that has shown flashes of attacking quality, this will be a key area of concern.
Tanzania’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Tanzania, on the other hand, has shown resilience in their campaign. Their midfield, led by Mudathir Yahya, has been a bright spot, providing a mix of defensive solidity and attacking impetus. However, their inconsistency, particularly in defense, has cost them points against stronger opponents like DR Congo.
The Taifa Stars will need to remain focused and avoid lapses in concentration if they hope to secure a vital win on Saturday.
Predictions for the Match
This clash is shaping up to be a tightly contested affair. While Ethiopia’s home advantage could play a role, their poor form and lack of goals make Tanzania slight favorites. The Taifa Stars’ ability to capitalize on key moments, as they did against Guinea, could prove decisive.
