How Malawi and Ethiopia pushed each other out of flight to Abidjan

Adeus para você. The thought of hosting an away team, Malawi, at their own backyard of Lilongwe on Tuesday sounded Portuguese for hosts Ethiopia.

Now, the rationale of hosting Malawi in neighbouring Mozambique in the decisive 2023 Afcon Group D qualifier seems even Greek.

A goalless draw saw Ethiopia and Malawi push each other out of the flight to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, for the delayed Afcon finals.

In hindsight, rational thinking should have reminded the Ethiopians that the last time they won in this race was when they turned Lilongwe venue, Bingu National Stadium, into their home fortress.

Both Ethiopia and Malawi only tasted Group D wins in this Afcon qualifiers when they played at this stadium.

It all started with Ethiopia’s Antelopes stepping on Gabadinho Mhango's toes. He punished the Ethiopians with a brace on June 2 2022.

Four days later, the Walyas vented their anger on the Pharaohs, beating them 2-0.

Then Egypt coach Ehab Galal paid the price for losing to an eternal rival. He got the sack.

In that game involving Ethiopia and Egypt, Malawians filled the stadium. The Ethiopian Football Federation even made a killing from gate collections and advertising.

Fast-forward to Tuesday’s match, Ethiopia opted to fly beyond Lilongwe all the way to Stadio Nacional Do Zimpeto in Maputo to welcome Malawi.

When play started, the Flames wasted clear chances. Chawanangwa Kaonga's effort produced the best in Ethiopia goalkeeper before defender Chembezi Denis sent his header over the bar.

Ethiopia stepped up the tempo in the second-half with some chances but could not find a way past Malawi keeper Brighton Munthali.

A barren draw seemed a fair result on the afternoon but not in the context of the qualifiers.

Ethiopia and Malawi said their goodbyes to each other and the Afcon race in Maputo.

It was a typical classic case of: ‘my way or no way' for Ethiopia and Malawi.

Starting line-ups:

Ethiopia: Seid Habtamu, Ramadan Yusef, Amanuel Yohannes, Aschalew Tamene, Henok Adugna, Yared Bayeh, Shimelis Bekele, Kenean Markneh, Binyam Belay, Duresa Shubisa, Habtamu Tadesse

Malawi: Bright Munthali, Stanley Sanudi, Nickson Mwase, Alick Lungu, Chembezi Denis, Chimwemwe Idana, John Banda, Yamikani Chester, Chawanangwa Kaonga, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Richard Mbulu

Story by Peter Kanjere