Ethiopia sink Djibouti in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

The Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia defeated Djibouti 6-1 last night to register their first win in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Bereket Desta and Abubeker Nassir netted hat-tricks to guide Ethiopia to victory in a match played at the Stade Ben M’Hamed El Abdi in El Jadida, Morocco.

The Mekelakeya FC forward put Ethiopia ahead after 19 minutes, and Nasiir added two more goals before the interval.

Six minutes after recess Samuel Akinbinu pulled a goal back for Djibouti after a defensive lapse by the Ethiopians.

But the Ethiopians continued to push forward and run rings around the Djibouti defence as Desta made it 4-1 after 52 minutes, and later Nasiir converted a penalty on 58 minutes. Desta also converted a second penalty for Ethiopia after 70 minutes as the Djibouti defending line continued to makes several blunders.

The win sends Coach Mesay Teferi’s to 4^th place with 6 points. Egypt who are yet to play their sixth match top the Group with 13 points, while Burkina Faso have 11 points. Djibouti are bottom with one point.

Action continues today with seven teams from the CECAFA Zone in action. Sudan who hope to maintain their lead in Group B will host South Sudan in Benghazi, Libya, while Rwanda host Lesotho in a Group C match in Kigali.

Two Group G matches will see Somalia play away to Botswana, while Uganda Cranes host Guinea at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Burundi will also face Seychelles in a Group F tie, while Tanzania battle Morocco in Group E at the Honor Stadium.