Ethiopia caused a real shock when they beat Ivory Coast in their Group K clash at the Bahir Dar Stadium in Ethiopia. Things went wild on Tuesday evening as the home team under local coach Abraham Mebratu came from a goal down to beat two-time African Champions Ivory Coast 2-1 in the 2021 Africa Cup o Nations qualifier.
The Ivorians took an early lead after Serge Aurier knocked in a rebound after Max Gradel’s free-kick had been deflected into his path by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Abel Mamo. Yet the home team equalized as Surafel Dagnachew’s free-kick was parried in off the wall. Ten minutes later, Ethiopia was 2-1 up when captain Shemeles Bekele shrugged of two defenders, to score the winning goal midway through the opening period.
Having lost 1-0 away to Madagascar in their Group K opening game, Abraham Mebratu’s men knew they had to win to keep their hope of playing in the 2021 AFCON alive. Even with the strength of the Ivorians who were missing their key players Wilfred Zaha and Franck Kessie, the Walias were not intimidated. Pushed on by a capacity audience at the Bahir Dar, the Walias gave a fight.
The Walias were forced into an early substitution at the stroke of half time, with keeper Mamo coming out after picking an injury and was replaced by Mintesinot Alo. In the second half, Ethiopia maintained its tactical discipline and had chances to score as well. Bekele had two more chances to score with curling shots, one which was deflected for a corner while the other went wide. You can check the Betway Insider football news update for this and other stories on all the major football competitions.
Meanwhile, in the same group, Madagascar shook off stressful preparations to continue with their fine form with a remarkable 6-2 victory over Niger in Niamey. The win is the biggest ever in AFCON qualifiers for Madagascar and puts then on top of the group with six points from their two games. That makes them one of the best teams to back on Betway.
The home team broke the deadlock through Amadou Wonkoye. Wonkoye scored five minutes into the game when he curled a left-footed free-kick over the wall, beating goalkeeper Melvin Adrien. However, it only took four minutes for the Barea to equalize when Nomenjanahary netted after the Niger defense failed to clear a Paulin Voavy cross.
Madagascar was leading 4-1 at halftime thanks to a brace by Lalaina Nomenjanahary, and goals from Andria and Anicet (penalty). In the second period, Madagascar kept the same form, and eight minutes after the restart, Paulin Voavy added the fifth goal for the Barea with a magnificent volley inside the box. The experienced Morel then added the sixth goal for Madagascar in the 64th minute with a header of Lalaina’s corner. Yusif Moussa scored a late consolation for Niger 14 minutes from time.
Niger has suffered even worse home humiliations, in the same stadium in Niamey 5 decades ago they lost 9-1 to Ghana, the record way win in a Cup of Nations qualifier. Madagascar is now top of the table with six points, while Ivory Coast and Ethiopia tie at with three points each and Niger are pointless.
