The Black Lions

Ethiopia hasn't enjoyed much success in international football, but qualified for this year’s African Cup of Nations for the first time in 31 years, by beating Sudan in their final qualifying game. The country go nuts! Not least in Gerji where the party goes on well into the night.

Known as the Walya Antelopes or more commonly the Black Lions, Ethiopia’s first match is against current African Cup holders, Zambia, and my hopes are not high. Ethiopia hold their own for the first 40 minutes in a fairly open affair, before the Lions’ goal-keeper comes tearing out of his box and assaulting a Zambian striker who goes down in heap. As does the goalie – i guess hoping for some sympathy from the referee. The ref shows none and the goalie is sent off, carried on a stretcher! A first in my forty plus years of watching the Beautiful Game. Zambia score just before half time and a possible avalanche looks on the cards.

Whilst Zambia dominate the 2^nd half, the Lions look increasingly dangerous on the break, and score an equaliser with 20 minutes still to play. The city is silent and tense, but the Lions win the match one – one, and the city erupts with wails, screeches and taxi and car horns.  I;m not expecting much sleep tonight.