Egyptian Premier League ZED FC forward Abel Yalew netted twice as Ethiopia triumphed 3-0 against Sao Tome e Principe in their preliminary round first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers on Friday, March 27th, 2026 in Moroccan Atlantic port city El Jadida.
Canaan Markneh added the third for Ethiopia as Yalew became the only scorer to bag a brace where there have been 13 goals in the six first legs since Wednesday
Known as the Falcons and True Parrots, they were notable to play at home in the island nation off the west coast because they lack an international-standard stadium.
Ethiopia have been were allowed to play international fixtures at home for the first time in five years after the Confederation of African Football approved the use of its Dire Dawa Stadium.
The East African country of 130 million people has been forced to play matches abroad since 2021 after Caf declared that all three of its main stadiums — in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar and Dire Dawa — failed to meet international standards.
But the second largest, in Dire Dawa, will host Ethiopia’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round second leg qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe on 31 March after its refurbishment was approved by Caf inspectors, the Ethiopia Football Federation (EFF) said.
“It’s good news for us. From now, Dire Dawa international stadium will be able to host matches of the national team,” the EFF said on its website.
“This modern stadium was built through cooperation between Dire Dawa city administration and the Ethiopian Football Federation, and it is prepared to serve national and international competitions.”
The EFF have reappointed former international player Yohannes Sahle to prepare the national team for the qualifiers, whose first leg will be held in Sao Tome on 25 March.