Cape Verde got their Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a positive start after edging ten-man Ethiopia on Sunday night.
Result: Ethiopia 0-1 Cape Verde
Date: 09 January 2022
Venue: Stade Omnisport Paul Biya
The game got off to a fiery start as Ethiopia were reduced to ten men after defender Yared Bayeh had his yellow card upgraded to a red after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spotted he was the last man when bringing down Júlio Tavares on 12 minutes.
Ethiopia coach was forced to re-shuffle his pack as Mohammed Mesud unfortunately made way for Mignot Dada, who slotted into the centre of the defence.
Cape Verde almost went ahead in the 27th minute when Ramadan Yusef's attempted clearance forced goalkeeper Teklermarim Shanko to produce a fine save to prevent the own goal at his near post.
Verde managed to carve out another opening 10 minutes before the break when Kenny Santos' corner found Stopira, who was unable to steer his header on target from close range.
Bubista's charges finally made their numerical advantage count just before the break when Garry Rodrigues did well to cut the ball back for Tavares, who nodded into an empty net.
Despite being a man down, Ethiopia managed to carve out a couple efforts at goal just before the hour mark as Surafel Dagnachew and Amanuel Yohannes unleashed strikes from distance.
The Ethiopians made a double change for the final 30 minutes of the encounter, as Getaneh Kebede and Amanuel Gebremichael made way for Fitsum Alemu and Firew Solomon.
Wubetu Abate's charges did make a late push for an equaliser in the second half, but Cape Verde remained resolute at the back to secure three points.
