The End of the Road

Last night saw the end of Ethiopia's run in the African Cup of Nations.

Admittedly hopes were not high after the thumping against Bekina Faso, but The Black Lions still had a mathematical chance of qualification if they can beat Nigeria. Nigeria were once a power-house of African football, but are on the decline.

Again, both teams make a tentative start to the game and there is nothing to write home about in the first 45 minutes of action. Things do liven up in the 2nd half. Whilst Nigeria enjoy the lion's share of the possession, the Black Lions look threatening on the break. 

Nonetheless, for the second time in three matches, Ethiopia's goal-keeper is sent off in the 78th minute, and Nigeria score from the resulting penalty. A second penalty follows 10 minutes later, and it's Goodnight Vienna.

Ethiopians drown their sorrows after the game, and i hear bottles smashing throughout the night. 

Let's hope it's not another 31 years before the Black Lions qualify for the African Cup of Nations again. 

Toothless Black Lions

After Ethiopia's quality result against Zambia in the African Cup of Nations, hopes are high amongst my colleagues as the Black Lions face Burkina Faso in their second group match. I'm not so sure, after Burkina Faso got a good draw against the once mighty Nigerians. 

Leading into the 9pm kick-off the crescendo of car horns, whoops and screams fill the city. Songs break out from the traditional to tribal football chanting.

Despite four changes from Tuesday night, Ethiopia begin the match the stronger, looking dangerous on the break and hitting the wood-work, and it's clear the audience believe it's only a matter of time before the flood-gates open.

However it's Bukina that open the scoring and complete silence descends. It's eerie. 

The game become more tense as each team dares not lose possession and it becomes an increasingly dour affair. Half time is a welcome break.

In the 55th minute and Burkina have their goal-keeper sent off and the audience erupt for the first time since the opening goal. Down to 10 men, surely the Lions can take advantage? Such belief doesn't last long, as Burkina get a second and Ethiopia simply capitulate. Final whistle can't come soon enough, and it ends a humiliating 4 - 0. 

To add salt to the wound, the electricity in Gerji goes out. But at least i enjoy the quietest of nights.

 

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.