Djibouti claims first point in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers

Djibouti’s Shoremen of the Red Sea picked their first point on the on-going FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Ethiopia on Sunday.

After suffering defeats in their last three matches, Djibouti held Ethiopia to a 1-1 draw in a Group A match played at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco.

Ghana born striker Gabriel Dadzie gave Djibouti the lead after 29 minutes, but Ethiopia hit back quickly to level scores 1-1.

Minyelu Wondimu Dibaba scored for Ethiopia after receiving a neat pass from Mesfin Tafesse.

After recess Ethiopia’s Walia Ibex continued to dominate the matches, but failed to find the goals and register their first win in the qualifiers. The draw leaves Djibouti bottom of the log with 1 point, whilel Ethiopia with three points are placed fifth.

On Monday another team from the CECAFA Zone Uganda Cranes will play host to 2029 AFCON winners Algeria in a Group G encounter at the refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Coach Paul Put’s team will be hungry to pick maximum points against Algeria to go top of the Group, before Guinea face Mozambique later.

While Uganda defeated Botswana 1-0 last Friday to revive their chances of qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Algeria lost at home 2-1 to Guinea in their last match played last week.