The second day of the CAN 2023 qualifiers saw Ethiopia sign a very good performance on Thursday, June 9, against Egypt. The Pharaohs, off topic, did not see the light of day against the Ethiopians (2-0). In the other match of group D, Guinea beat Malawi in the last seconds thanks to Naby Keïta (1-0).
Hard to believe that the African vice-champions were in Lilongwe, Malawi, on June 9 during qualifying for the 2023 African Cup of Nations. At the Bingu National Stadium, Egypt were visiting to face Ethiopia, in what initially looked like an unbalanced poster between a nation accustomed to the heights and another more modest. The expected decor was however very different on the lawn.
The Egyptians, difficult winners of Guinea on June 5 during the first day of group D, delivered an indigestible performance. The Ethiopians, eager to revive after their inaugural loss to the Malawians, took advantage. And after 90 very serious minutes, they very logically pocketed the three points.
Ethiopia unquestioningly dominates weak Egypt
The scenario took shape fairly quickly in Lilongwe. Abubeker Nasir, the Ethiopian No.10, didn’t get the penalty he was hoping for after a manly charge into the box. But three minutes later, the striker still made the difference by overflowing the right side in the area before serving Dawa Hotessa for the opener (21st). Dominating, Ethiopia took control of the game and Nasir, gone deep, found the post of Gabaski, the goalkeeper of the Pharaohs (24th).
The 2-0 goal finally arrived in the 39th, when the Egyptian defense, on the street, could not contain a new Walya offensive. Found by Amanuel Gebremichael, Shimelis Bekele avoided the return of the last defenders before unleashing a heavy and unstoppable shot, five meters from the goal line.
Ehab Galal, the coach of the vice-champions of Africa, wanted to cause an electric shock by making three changes in the process. But nothing worked. Egypt, deprived of their usual guide Mohamed Salah, never found their rhythm and their game against a confident Ethiopia.
Naby Keïta releases Guinea against Malawi
How hard it was! But on arrival, the national Syli snatches its first three points in these playoffs. After the setback conceded in the last minutes in Egypt on the first day, the Guineans were keen to redeem themselves in Conakry against Malawi. A goodwill long thwarted by this inability to materialize in the offensive field.
However, it is an understatement to say that Guinea dominated the Flames at the General Lansana-Conté Stadium. The men coached by Kaba Diawara confiscated the ball (72% possession of the ball throughout the game, more than 77% at the height of domination in the first period). But without precision, it is difficult to win… The Guineans have missed the target countless times, so much so that it seemed increasingly clear that there would be no winner.
And then came this 90th + 1 minute and this counter led by Naby Keïta. In the maneuver, the captain and Guinean leader relied on Bafode Dansoko to find the ball in the area. And with a tackled shot, the Liverpool player sent the leather to the back of the net, freeing a whole people in the process. With this victory snatched and that obtained by Ethiopia, it is almost perfect equality in Group D where the four teams have three points after two days.
AFCON 2023: CALENDAR AND RESULTS OF QUALIFICATIONS