10-man Ethiopia embarrassed champions Zambia in a gutsy display in a dramatic 1-1 draw in Nelspruit.
Ethiopia didn’t disappoint today at Mbombela Stadium and showed every ounce that they deserved and earned their ticket to South Africa and Saladin Said tormented Zambia’s star with a man of the match performance.
Ethiopia were unlucky not to have taken the lead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute after Chisamba Lungu tripped Said in the area.
Said stepped up to take the resultant penalty but found Kennedy Mweene in fine form to parry his attempt.
More drama came with the send-off Bushura Tasew after he pulled Chisamba before faking injury.
Play was stopped for seven minutes as Tasew tried to buy time but referee Castane Otogo was having none of it.
Zambia took advantage of Ethiopia’s deficit and striker Collins Mbesuma slotted in the opener after dancing his way through two defenders to bang in from a good assist off Isaac Chansa.
However Ethiopia refused to be intimidated and took the game to Zambia.
Adane Girma leveled scores in the 63rd minute with his shot deflected off the post before rolling into the back of the net.
Zambia threw everything they had at Ethiopia but Ethiopia countered thanks mostly to the 12th man.
Zambia now set their sights on Nigeria hoping to redeem themselves while Ethiopia have another chance for a potential giant killing act against Burkina Faso on December 25.
MTNfootball