Ethiopia completed a double over São Tomé and Príncipe with a 1-0 on Tuesday to progress to the group stage of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying with a 4-0 aggregate victory at Dire Dawa International Stadium on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026
The Waliyas scored early at Dire Dawa International Stadium to complete a double over São Tomé and Príncipe.
Mesfin Tafesse of to times Ethiopia Premier League side Ethiopia Coffee beat Portuguese based Real FC goalkeeper Rogério Fernandes and squared the ball to Chernet Gugesa of Bahir Dar Kenema , who slotted home from close range to give the Waliyas the lead.
That early goal effectively ended any lingering hopes of a comeback from Sao Tome, with Ethiopia managing the game efficiently thereafter.
While the second half produced no further goals, Ethiopia remained organised and disciplined, ensuring their opponents were kept at bay throughout the encounter.
The East African nation secured a spot in the group stage of qualifying, while it is the end of the road for São Tomé and Príncipe after a brave second-leg performance. The Waliyas last qualified for the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021, and they will be dreaming of securing a place in the competition when the group stage kicks off in September.
