Ethiopia come from behind to beat Seychelles

Ethiopia came from behind to beat Seychelles 2-1 in their final Africa Cup of Nations, Group J qualifier at the Hawassa International Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Ethiopia have given themselves the best chance of qualifying for the Afcon tournament in Gabon next year after finishing as the runner-up in Group J (and possible one of the best second placed teams in the qualifying phase).

Algeria top Group J with 13 points from five games, followed by Ethiopia on 11 points from six games.

Seychelles are in third place in Group J with four points from six games, followed by Lesotho who have three points but are in action on Sunday against Algeria.

On the day, Seychelles took the lead away from and against the run of play with Jemal Tassew giving them the lead in the 21st minute, 1-0.

Ethiopia, though, quickly hit back and restored parity in the 34th minute courtesy of a strike from Getaneh Kebede, 1-1.

The teams entered the half time break all-square.

Ten minutes into the second half Ethiopia were afforded the chance to take the lead after the referee awarded a penalty-kick.

Saladin Said stepped up for the home side and made no mistake from the spot to hand his side the lead, 2-1.

The Ethiopian side controlled the rest of the game, but were unable to add any more goals to the scoreline.

The win affords them a chance of qualification for Gabon next year, but they will have to wait and see how other teams fare in their group games.

Ethiopia (1) 2 (Kebede 34’, Said 56’ pen)
Seychelles (1) (Tassew 21’)