Tanzania and Ethiopia kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group H qualifying campaigns with a tense 0-0 draw at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday night.
This goalless encounter showcased a physical battle between the two sides, but neither could find the breakthrough needed to secure a victory.
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Tanzania vs. Ethiopia: A Tense and Physical Encounter
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both Tanzania and Ethiopia were prepared for a tough, physical battle. The match began with a slow tempo, with both teams content to battle for possession in the midfield.
This conservative approach set the tone for the first half, as neither side was willing to take significant risks early on.
Tanzania, playing on home soil, had the first opportunities to break the deadlock. However, their attempts were thwarted by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper, Seid Habtamu Aregawi, who remained largely untroubled despite Tanzania’s efforts.
On the other hand, Ethiopia found some success on the wings, exploiting the wide areas of the pitch, but they too struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Tanzanian defense.
First Half: A Struggle for Supremacy
The first half of the match saw Tanzania and Ethiopia grappling for control in the middle of the park. The midfield battle was intense, with neither side able to establish dominance.
Tanzania attempted to use their home advantage to push forward, but their attacks lacked the precision needed to truly threaten Ethiopia’s defense.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, sought to counter-attack whenever possible, using their pace on the flanks to stretch Tanzania’s defense. However, they too were met with stiff resistance, as Tanzania’s backline held firm.
As the first half progressed, it became clear that Tanzania and Ethiopia were more focused on not conceding than on scoring, leading to a lack of goal-scoring opportunities.
The first half ended without much excitement, as both teams headed into the break with the scoreline still at 0-0.
Tactical Changes in the Second Half
As the second half kicked off, Tanzania and Ethiopia made changes in an attempt to alter the dynamics of the game.
Tanzania introduced Pascal Msindo at halftime, hoping his fresh legs would provide the spark needed to break down Ethiopia’s defense.
Ethiopia responded with their own substitutions, bringing on Binyam Fikre and Adis Giday to add energy and creativity to their attack.
These substitutions had an immediate impact on the flow of the game. Tanzania began to see more of the ball, controlling possession and pushing forward with greater intent.
However, Ethiopia’s defense, marshaled by their goalkeeper Seid Habtamu Aregawi, remained resolute, denying Tanzania any clear opportunities to score.
Tanzania’s Dominance in Possession
As the second half wore on, Tanzania continued to dominate possession, but their inability to convert this dominance into goals became increasingly evident.
Despite their best efforts, they struggled to create the kind of clear-cut chances needed to break the deadlock. Ethiopia, meanwhile, seemed content to absorb the pressure and look for opportunities to counter-attack.
Tanzania’s midfielders worked tirelessly to regain control of the game, often winning the ball back and initiating attacks.
However, the final ball was often lacking, and the Ethiopian defense was quick to snuff out any potential danger. As the match entered its final stages, Tanzania’s frustration began to show, with their attacks becoming more direct and less coordinated.
Ethiopia’s Defensive Resilience
Credit must be given to Ethiopia’s defense for their disciplined and organized performance. Despite Tanzania’s increased pressure, the Ethiopian backline remained compact, limiting the space for Tanzania’s attackers to operate.
The introduction of Binyam Fikre and Adis Giday provided some relief for Ethiopia, allowing them to hold the ball higher up the pitch and relieve some of the pressure on their defense.
Ethiopia’s defensive resilience was on full display as they repeatedly thwarted Tanzania’s attempts to score. Their ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain their shape was a testament to their tactical discipline.
As the clock ticked down, it became clear that Ethiopia was determined to leave Dar es Salaam with at least a point.
Late Drama and Missed Opportunities
As the match approached the 75th minute, the intensity increased, with Tanzania throwing everything they had at the Ethiopian defense in search of a late winner.
The home crowd, eager to see their team secure all three points, urged the Taifa Stars forward. Tanzania came close to breaking the deadlock on a couple of occasions during the dying stages of the match, but their efforts were either blocked by Ethiopian defenders or missed the target altogether.
In the final minutes of the match, Ethiopia made a final substitution, bringing on Ayten to shore up their defense. This tactical move paid off, as Ethiopia managed to withstand Tanzania’s late onslaught.
With the referee holding the whistle to his mouth, the game ended in a tense 0-0 stalemate, leaving Tanzania and Ethiopia to rue their missed opportunities.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tanzania and Ethiopia?
Both Tanzania and Ethiopia will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next fixtures in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
For Tanzania, the challenge will be to find a way to turn their dominance in possession into goals. They will need to work on their attacking cohesion and finishing if they hope to secure victories in their upcoming matches.
Ethiopia, on the other hand, can take heart from their defensive performance. However, they will need to find a way to be more effective in attack if they want to progress in the competition.
Their ability to absorb pressure was impressive, but they will need to offer more going forward if they are to challenge the stronger teams in the group.
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