Ethiopia qualifies for U-17 AFCON after 22 year wait

Ethiopia’s Under-17 national side has qualified for the U-17 African Cup of Nations following their resounding 3-0 win over Kenya at the U-17 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifier in the Abebe Bikila Memorial Stadium in Addis Ababa on Tuesday

The Red Foxes, as they are nicknamed, showed determination to take third place in the zonal qualifier.

Ethiopia and Kenya were battling it out to get the last qualification spot for the continental tournament after they both lost their semifinal outings to Uganda and Tanzania, respectively. It was an evenly matched first half between the hosts and their neighbours, as both struggled to get clear-cut chances.

Ethiopia Ends 22-year U-17 AFCON Drought

The second half saw a much-improved performance from the teams, but Ethiopia were clinical in front of goal. Star striker Dawit Kassaw opened the scoring in the 66th minute after collecting a long ball. Team captain Biniyam Abrha doubled the lead with a cool left-footed finish from inside the area in the 79th minute, before Biruk Eyilachew headed home from close range as Ethiopia finished the qualifier on a high.

Ethiopia qualified for the 2026 U-17 AFCON after a 22-year wait. Ethiopia coach Benjamin Zeimer, before the qualifiers, told local reporters that his charges were aiming for U17 AFCON participation. With Ethiopia U17 side’s accomplishment, it is expected that the Ethiopian Football Federation will likely table a much-improved contract offer for the American coach.