Ethiopia Advances AFCON Hopes with Decisive Win
Ethiopia’s national team boosts their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after a commanding victory.
By Solomon Tesfaye, sports correspondent — covering East African football developments
Ethiopia secured an important 3-1 win against Sudan on June 12, strengthening their position in Group J of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Walia Antelopes, coached by Wubetu Abate, showcased tactical discipline and attacking verve in the Addis Ababa Stadium, a performance that raised hopes of reaching the prestigious continental tournament for the first time since 2013.
With this victory, Ethiopia moved to 10 points from their six group matches, just one point behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) official statistics, the Walia Antelopes have scored 12 goals in the qualifiers so far, the second-best offensive record in their group. Midfielder Getaneh Kebede contributed twice, demonstrating his importance as the team’s key attacking outlet.
The game drew a crowd of approximately 15,000 spectators, a notably strong turnout that reflects local enthusiasm for the national side’s resurgence. According to the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), average home match attendance has increased by 20% compared to previous qualifiers, signalling growing public support amid rising expectations.
Coach Wubetu Abate remarked after the win, “Our players showed great commitment and maturity. Controlling possession and managing transitions have been our focus, and it’s pleasing to see those tactics bearing fruit. We must remain focused as the campaign enters its decisive phase.”
Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain. Injuries to key defender Shimelis Bekele and striker Fikru Teferra have tested the squad depth. Additionally, the team faces stiff competition as Guinea-Bissau and Sudan both have resilient squads capable of reversing fortunes in their upcoming fixtures.
Experts from the Addis Ababa-based sports analysis group, Ethiopian Sports Insight, note that “the technical staff’s emphasis on youth integration and balanced formation has notably improved Ethiopia’s defensive stability while retaining offensive potency, a necessary development for sustained success in continental football.”
On the broader East African stage, Ethiopian club teams continue to face hurdles in CAF competitions. Saint George and Fasil Kenema both exited recent CAF Champions League preliminary rounds, highlighting the gap between domestic league play and continental challenges. The Walia Antelopes’ rise may help galvanize improvements in local club football structure and investment.
Separately, the growth of African gaming and betting markets—especially around football—has nuanced impacts. While the domestic gaming sector expands, underpinned by growing digital payment infrastructure like telebirr, concerns about regulatory frameworks and responsible gambling persist. As Ethiopian football attracts more enthusiasm, these elements intersect, visible in the increasing popularity of special gaming formats such as chatki bet special games which Ethiopian enthusiasts increasingly engage with during major fixtures.
However, gambling analysts caution on the risks. Dr. Alemu Tafari, a research fellow at Addis Ababa University focusing on consumer protection in gaming, stated: “As the market grows, so do vulnerabilities. It is imperative that regulators adopt stringent responsible gambling policies to protect consumers, especially young and vulnerable groups. Ethiopia is still in the early stages of building a robust framework.”
Indeed, the government’s current debate on taxation of betting revenues aims to balance economic gains with social concerns. Reports from Capital Ethiopia indicate that gaming taxation revenue increased by 15% year-on-year in 2023, underpinning the sector’s role in the national economy while also sparking public discourse on the societal impacts of gambling proliferation.
Within the team, players have also voiced support for fan engagement and responsible enthusiasm. Captain Saladin Said emphasized: “Our focus is on football excellence, but we encourage fans to enjoy the game responsibly, whether attending matches or following online coverage. The spirit of unity and respect is what will take Ethiopian football forward.”
The Walia Antelopes now face Guinea-Bissau and Malawi in their final two qualifiers, matches widely anticipated to determine their AFCON fate. The national team’s blend of emerging talent and tactical growth offers cautious optimism, even as the broader sporting and regulatory environment evolves around them.
Solomon Tesfaye writes on East African football and sports developments. He has reported on the Ethiopian Premier League and national team for over five years.
