Ethiopia qualifies for African Nations Cup final after 31 years

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian national soccer team defeated Sudan 2-0 here today to qualify for the African Nations Cup in South Africa on away goal advantage (5-5).

It was 31 ago in Libya that Ethiopia last participated in the African Nations Cup.

Adane Girma & Saladine Seid scored the two goals.

Here is the BBC match update

1. 1552: What an amazing tie this has been between Ethiopia and Sudan. Ten goals shared over two legs, both sides adopting an all-out attacking mentality, and it looks like Ethiopia are going to edge it and book their place in South Africa. Wonderful stuff!
   1549: Iffy Onuora, former Ethiopia coach

2. “It was Saladin – again – who scored that vital goal, he can prepare to be elevated to national hero status if Ethiopia can just hang on. We’re into the last minute!

3. 1541:

   Iffy Onuora, former Ethiopia coach

   “It is going to be a nerve-shredding last 10 minutes for the whole of Ethiopia. The whole country will go crazy if the team can hang on and qualify for next year’s tournament in South Africa.”

4. 1535: GOAL - Ethiopia 2-0 Sudan

   That’s a crucial score from Ethiopia, who double their lead on the day and are now ahead on aggregate by virtue of the away goals rule.

   Iffy Onuoura’s reaction says it all: “Dust off those passports, a first finals in 30 years beckons!”

5. 1533: 

   GOAL - Ethiopia 1-0 Sudan

   Ethiopia take the lead through Adane Girma. He’s an excellent attacking full-back, who wouldn’t look out of place in a top Championship side in England, says Iffy Onuotra.

   That goal has set the tie up for a rousing last 20 minutes at the National stadium in Addis. Ethiopia trail 4-5 on aggregate.