Ethiopia stop Sudan 3-2 in AFCON build-up match in Yaounde

Ethiopia’s Walia Ibex recorded a 3-2 win against Sudan in a build-up match played in Yaounde, Cameroon on Thursday.

The two teams from the CECAFA region used the match to prepare ahead of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021.

Amanuel Gebre Michael netted an early goal after only two minutes to give Ethiopia the lead at the Stade Annexe 1 Omnisport.

But Mohamed Abdulrahman leveled matters for Sudan after 10 minutes. The Sudan team continued to press to find another goal, but it was Gebre Michael who placed the ball in the next again to make it 2-1 for Ethiopia after 37 minutes.

In the second half Shemeles Bekele who plies his trade with El Gouna FC in Egypt scored after 50 minutes to make it 3-1 for Ethiopia. But Abdulrahman made sure he picked his brace for Sudan with a 70^th minute goal.

Wubetu Abate, Ethiopia’s head coach said he was happy with how his team responded. “But we need to work hard on the defending aspect,” added Abate.

“ I am happy with the way the players expressed themselves because this is a new team,” said Sudan’s interim coach Burhan Tia.

Sudan is expected to face Zimbabwe on Sunday in their last build-up match