AFCON 2021: one goal separates 10-man Ethiopia and Cape Verde
Ethiopia 0 Cape Verde 1
In the second game of the Africa cup of nations 2021, the Blue Sharks defeated the Ethiopians 1-0 in first half added time. The one goal margin barely represented the balance of play.
Ethiopia was forced to change their playing style after Bayeh picks up a red card in the 12th minute, following a foul on the Ethiopia striker Julio Travares.
That led to a tactical change by the Ethiopia coach, Abate in the 15th minute, as he replaces Mignot Debebe (defender) with Mesud Mohammed (midfielder). Travares eventually scored the winning goal at the stroke of half-time.
After the red card, the Walia Ibex became cautious going forward and that gave Blue Sharks the opportunity to fire on all cylinders.
However, Ethiopia were able to eliminate Cape Verde’s threat each time they go forward until the stroke of half-time when Julio Travares scored the only goal of the match with a beautiful header.
On the stroke of half-time, Travares head a ball, poked back by Gari Rodrigues into the back of the net.
The blue sharks continues their dominance in the second half with multiple attempts by Traveres, Kenny Rocha Santos. Ethiopia on the other hand, struggled throughout the game as the Walia Ibex had just one goal attempt in full time.
With this result, Ethiopia occupies the second position behind Cameroon. Though, Abate, made five changes, the tactical changes did not help them to secure a point in this game. And they sit at the bottom with zero point behind Burkina Faso who also have no point.
Ethiopia will square up against Cameroon in their next fixture on January 13, 17.00, while Cape Verde will play Burkina Faso at 20.00 the same day.
