AFCON (Q): Inspired by Sporting’s comeback against Bodø/Glimt, Monsanto eyes Ethiopia shock

São Tomé and Príncipe national team head coach Ricardo Monsanto still believes his charges are capable of staging a huge comeback when they face Ethiopia in the return leg of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round tie in Dire Dawa. The Warriors of the Equator suffered a heavy 3–0 loss to the Waliyas on Friday, March 27, in El Jadida, Morocco.

Big results in the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Preliminary Round. Can any side pull a comeback in the 2nd legs? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LoPLkNFYak

— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) March 28, 2026

Monsanto drew an analogy from a recent comeback by Sporting Club against Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League to support his claim. The Portuguese trainer told Jornal Desportivo STP that a comeback is possible. “Football constantly shows us that nothing is impossible. Sporting were in a difficult situation; they didn’t give up, they believed, and ended up achieving a historic victory. That is the spirit we want to bring to our team,” the coach said.

São Tomé and Príncipe’s defense helped Ethiopia score twice in the first half. The return leg will be even harder, given that Ethiopia will be playing on home soil for the first time in five years, although CAF has ordered the tie to be played behind closed doors.

Monsanto further added that focus is needed before the return leg. “It is true that we are not Sporting, but Ethiopia is not Bodø/Glimt either. We must focus on our work and on what we are capable of doing. If we enter with the intensity we showed in the second half and manage to score in the first half, I believe we can take the match into extra time.”

Monsanto also called on his team to have the same belief before facing Ethiopia. “I believe in a historic comeback. Now, all the players, the technical staff, and the fans must believe as well,” he concluded.

Ethiopia are in pole position to progress to the AFCON group qualifying stage. The Waliyas are ahead in recent matchups against São Tomé and Príncipe. Their last home game against the same opponent ended in a convincing 3–0 victory, with team captain Gatoch Panom getting on the scoresheet. Panom missed the first leg due to personal reasons.