Ethiopia faces a must-win scenario as they travel to Blida to take on already-qualified Algeria in the 5th round of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
🔢 Group B Standings Before Matchday 5:
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| 🇩🇿 Algeria | 12 |
| 🇲🇱 Mali | 6 |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | 3 |
| 🇲🇼 Malawi | 3 |
🇪🇹 Ethiopia’s Situation:
Currently 3rd, tied with Malawi on points but behind on goal difference.
Only two matches left: vs Algeria (away), then Malawi (home).
Needs to win both matches and hope Mali slips up, to potentially claim the second qualifying spot in the group.
🚑 Major Absences:
Coach Mariano Barreto will be without:
🔴 Saladin Said (injured)
🔴 Getaneh Kebede (suspended after red card vs Mali)
These are Ethiopia’s two key strikers, making their absence a serious blow to their already slim qualification hopes.
⚔️ Ethiopia’s Attacking Hope:
Barreto will rely on:
⚽ Oumed Oukri – scorer vs Mali
⚽ Abebaw Butako – also on the scoresheet last matchday
“We know Algeria is a very strong team, but we will be up to it,” – Mariano Barreto, Ethiopian coach.
🇩🇿 Algeria: Already Qualified
Top of Group B with 4 wins in 4 matches
May rotate or rest key players, which could give Ethiopia a glimmer of hope
Still, Algeria’s squad depth makes them heavy favorites at home in Blida
🔍 Key Match Facts:
🕒 Kickoff: Saturday
📍 Venue: Blida, Algeria
🏆 Stakes: Ethiopia must win to stay alive
🧮 Ethiopia’s Path to Qualification:
Beat Algeria in Blida (extremely difficult)
Beat Malawi at home
Hope Mali fails to win at least one of their last two games (vs Malawi and Algeria)
Conclusion: Ethiopia is on the brink. Missing its top two strikers against the best team in the group, away from home, makes their task monumental. However, inspired performances from players like Oukri and Butako, plus tactical discipline, could still give the Antelopes a fighting chance.
