Ethiopia open AFCON 2021 campaign against Cape Verde tonight

CECAFA representative Ethiopia will open their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 campaign later tonight.

The Walia Ibex will face Cape Verde in a Group A match at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon. But before Ethiopia take to the pitch, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will battle Burkina Faso in what promises to be a thriller.

Wubetu Abate, the Ethiopian coach made it clear that their first major target is to qualify out of the group for the next round.

“We prepared for this tournament in the best conditions. Our goal is not to just participate, but to show the world that Ethiopia has young talented players who can surprise,” said Abate.

The Ethiopian side stopped another CECAFA representative Sudan 3-2 in a friendly match played last week in Yaounde. The Walia Ibex return to the AFCON stage after playing in the last one in 2013.

The team will however miss the services of Egypt based professional Shimeles Bekele who sustained an injury while in Cameroon. Bekele with Getaneh Kebede and goalkeeper Jemal Tasew are the only three players who were part of Ethiopia’s team at the AFCON 2013 held in South Africa.

Ethiopia are placed in Group A alongside Cape Verde, Burkina faso and Cameroon.

CECAFA’s other representatives Sudan will play against Guinea Bussau in their opening Group D match on Monday at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua. The group also has Nigeria and seven time AFCON champions Egypt.

The AFCON 2021 will start today and climate with the final of February 6^th.