KINSHASA: TANZANIA boosted their chances of qualifying for next year’s AFCON finals with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia at Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa, DR Congo, today.
The victory temporarily lifted Tanzania to second place in Group H with seven points from five matches, trailing leaders DR Congo, who have already secured qualification with 12 points.
Guinea sits third with six points from four games before their yesterday’s clash against DR Congo.
At the bottom, Ethiopia’s elimination was confirmed, with only one match remaining against DR Congo.
Tanzania delivered a dominant first-half performance, taking a 2-0 lead into the break with two expertly-taken headers.
The game kicked off with Tanzania asserting their control early. In the 15th minute, Simon Msuva opened the scoring.
A perfectly floated corner from Novatus Dismas found Msuva, who rose above the Ethiopian defenders to power a header past goalkeeper Seid Aregawi.
It was a well-timed, clinical finish that set the tone for the match.
Tanzania’s second goal came just before halftime, showcasing a brilliant team move.
Mbwana Samatta started the play, holding off defenders and playing a clever long ball to Clement Mzize.
Mzize, in turn, laid a precise pass to Mudathir Yahya, who skilfully dribbled past his marker and squared the ball to Feisal Salum.
Salum’s first attempt was blocked by Aregawi, but the Ethiopian keeper couldn’t recover in time.
Salum pounced on the rebound, heading it into an empty net to make it 2-0.
It was a goal born of high pressing, sharp instincts, and clinical execution.
Though Tanzania controlled the first half, Ethiopia had their moments.
In the 38th minute, Abdulkerim Worku had a golden chance to pull one back.
The Ethiopian forward was in space and struck a grass cutting shot, but it went just wide of Tanzania’s goal.
It was a near-miss that hinted at Ethiopia’s potential, even if their finishing let them down.
The second half saw a shift in momentum, as Ethiopia began to show more urgency and control.
Tanzania, however, remained dangerous, and in the 50th minute, Samatta was presented with a clear chance.
A perfectly timed through ball from Msuva had him racing toward goal, but Samatta was just a step behind, unable to connect with the ball in time.
It was a moment of frustration, as Tanzania came close to score third.
As the match progressed, Tanzania continued to threaten. Msuva, in particular, kept Ethiopia’s defence on edge with his runs and attempts on goal.
A late strike from Msuva looked destined for the net, but Ethiopian defenders threw themselves in the way, blocking the shot with a brave clearance.
On the Ethiopian side, despite the intensity of their efforts, they struggled to break down Tanzania’s defence.
Tactical changes, including the substitution of key midfielders, gave Ethiopia more possession, but their attacks lacked creativity.
While they controlled the ball for periods, they couldn’t find a way past Tanzania’s solid defence or trouble goalkeeper Aishi Manula, who remained largely untested.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard reflected a game full of promise but without a winner.
Ethiopia held on, securing a vital point, while Tanzania’s dreams of next year’s tournament still flickered brightly on the horizon.
Tanzania’s eyes are firmly on their next encounter against Guinea at Benjamin Mkapa in Dar es Salaam that will decide if Tanzania will travel to Morocco or not.
Ethiopia, however, was left to reflect on a campaign that ended in disappointment, with only one match remaining against DR Congo.
The match also added to the growing excitement surrounding the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
With 19 teams already qualified, the final spots will be decided in the coming week.
Among the teams that have secured their places are footballing giants such as Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon, as well as host nation Morocco, and defending champions Ivory Coast.
The competition is heating up as several teams make their return to the continental stage, including DR Congo, Angola, South Africa, and Equatorial Guinea.
The stage is set for an exciting AFCON tournament in Morocco, with Tanzania’s hopes still alive as they fight for a spot among the continent’s elite.
