AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ethiopia edge Mozambique to claim first Group J victory

Ethiopia secured their first victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after recording a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mozambique in their Group J encounter on Friday.

The Walia Ibex produced a disciplined performance at Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo, frustrating the hosts before finding a late breakthrough to claim all three points.

Mozambique dominated possession, controlling 72 per cent of the ball and registering 17 shots compared to Ethiopia’s 11. However, the hosts struggled to convert their territorial advantage into goals, managing just three efforts on target.

Ethiopia remained organised defensively and showed patience as they searched for an opportunity to punish their opponents.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 87th minute when Canaan Markneh found the back of the net to hand the visitors a crucial lead.

Mozambique pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages but could not find a response, allowing Ethiopia to secure a valuable away victory.

The result gives Ethiopia their first three points after opening the qualifying campaign with defeats to Sudan and Senegal, while Mozambique remain on four points from three matches.