World Cup (Q): James heads Ethiopia past Guinea-Bissau

Ethiopia registered their second win in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying after Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in Kigali, Rwanda. The Waliyas were the better side between the two nations, as Guinea-Bissau were mathematically eliminated from contention to qualify.

Goooooooooooooal#FIFAWorldCup Qualifiers

Group A

43′ 🇪🇹Ethiopia 1-0 Guinea Bissau🇬🇼
⚽Ramkel JEMES GANG 27′
🏟️Amahoro National Stadium pic.twitter.com/2Hvj9nqnwy

— 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐒𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚 (@SamirSylva) October 8, 2025

The hosts looked like a different side with their attacking intent, while Guinea-Bissau struggled in the opening minutes. Biniyam Ayten struck wide for the match’s first chance, while Everton FC forward Beto’s half-chance was cleared off the line by the Ethiopian defense.

Center-back Ramkel James broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, heading home a free-kick delivery from Abudselam Yusuf as the Waliyas took the lead before halftime.

The visitors started the second half hoping to find an equalizer and came close through an attempt from Beto. Ethiopia sat back and defended for much of the half but nearly scored a second through Ahmed Hussien, who rattled the inside of the post in the 65th minute. Jefferson Encada skied a good chance in the last ten minutes of the game before Beto missed an open goal in the 90th minute to complete a frustrating match for Os Djurtus.

Ethiopia are now fifth in Group A with nine points, one behind fourth-placed Guinea-Bissau. Ethiopia will next visit Burkina Faso, while Guinea-Bissau face Group A leaders Egypt in Cairo.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group A Table

1. Egypt- 20 points
2. Burkina Faso- 15 points (GD: +12)
3. Sierra Leone- 12 points (GD: +2)
4. Guinea-Bissau- 10 points
5. Ethiopia- 9 points
6. Djibouti- 1 point