Ethiopia thrash Madagascar, claim Group K top spot

Ethiopia have taken a major step toward returning to the Africa Cup of Nations after they thrashed Madagascar 4-0 in a Group K qualifier played at the Bahir Dar Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The Walias, who have not appeared at an Afcon tournament since 2013, moved to the top of the group on nine points. Ivory Coast (who now have a game in hand, against bottom-of-the-log Niger on Friday) and Madagascar are still tied on seven points apiece.

The result is crushing blow for Barea as they look to return to the Nations Cup after their impressive tournament debut in 2019, though a win in their final Group K fixture at home to Niger next could well be enough to bring themselves back into contention.

The hosts started on the front foot and dominated from the early stages, ultimately claiming a deserved lead in the 19th minute when Amanuel Gebremichael cleverly made space for himself on the edge of the penalty before firing a low shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Melvin Adrien.

On 34 minutes the Walias doubled their lead in grand style, with former Bidvest Wits and Pretoria University striker Getaneh Kebede firing a shot into the top corner of the net direct from a free kick, giving Adrien no chance whatsoever.

And a brilliant first half for the home side was capped by a third goal in the 41st minute. Ethiopian Premier League top scorer Abubeker Nassir rounded off a superb counter attacking move with a crisp finish from the middle of the box as the Walias took a 3-0 lead into the break.

Barea made a double change at the start of the second half in an attempt to turn things around, with Hakim Abdallah and Sylvio Ouassiero rising off the bench.

Yet it was Ethiopia who continued to look the more potent team, now using transitions to pick holes in their opponents' defence.

Madagascar managed to hold their hosts at bay for a while, but ultimately the Walias claimed a fourth goal through Shimelis Bekele in the 86th minute, rounding off a near-perfect performance for the East Africans.

The teams will be back in Group K action next week, Tuesday 30 March, with Ethiopia away to Ivory Coast and Madagascar at home to Niger.

Ethiopia (3) 4 (Gebremichael 19’, Kebede 34’, Nassir 41’, Bekele 86’)

Madagascar 0

Ethiopia: Shanko, Tunjo (Samid 89’), Baye, Tamene, Mohammed, Dagnachew (Mohammed 76’), Tekeste (Endeshaw 89’), Bekele (Alemu 88’), Gebremichael (Gugas 74’), Nassir, Kebede

Madagascar: Adrien, Metanire, Razakanantenaina, Radrianarisoa (Rakotondrazaka 78’), Mombris, Amada, Randriambololona (Andrianarimanana 71’), Andria, Nomenjanahary (Ouassiero 46’), Voavy (Abdallah 46’), Andriatsima (Ramalingom 70’)