Ethiopia cruised to victory in the first leg against Sao Tome & Principe and I very much expect the same this time around.
Key Stats - Sao Tome & Principe Leaky at the Back
- Ethiopia have won 2 of their last 5 fixtures.
- Ethiopia have scored 5 goals in 5 matches.
- Ethiopia have conceded 7 goals in 5 games.
- Sao Tome & Principe have lost 4 of their last 5 fixtures.
- Sao Tome & Principe have scored 3 goals in 5 games.
- Sao Tome & Principe have conceded 15 goals in 5 matches.
Head to Head
Ethiopia lead 2-1 in three matches against Sao Tome & Principe.
Ethiopia in Control of the Tie
Ethiopia took control of their Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round qualifier against Sao Tome & Principe last weekend, winning 3-0 away.
Before that victory, Ethiopia had little success in four FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September and October last year. They lost 2-0 to Egypt, 2-0 to Sierra Leone, and beat Guinea-Bissau 1-0 before losing 3-1 to Burkina Faso.
The Walia Ibex have won two of their last five matches, with three defeats. They scored five goals and conceded seven.
Ethiopia have home-ground advantage for this clash, and will start confidently in the second leg after their recent performance against Sao Tome & Principe.
Sao Tome & Principe Defensive Problems Persist
Sao Tome & Principe had no answer in their AFCON first-leg preliminary round qualifier against Ethiopia last weekend, losing 3-0.
Before that result, Sao Tome & Principe lost 3-2 to Equatorial Guinea, 3-0 to Namibia, and 6-0 to Tunisia before edging Malawi 1-0 in four FIFA World Cup qualification matches between September and October last year.
The True Patriots have secured one victory in their last five fixtures, with four defeats. They scored three goals and conceded 15.
Sao Tome & Principe look unlikely to turn the tables on Ethiopia, as their opponents have a three-goal cushion and they are playing the second leg at home.
Ethiopia vs Sao Tome & Principe News & Squads
Ethiopia
Kenean Markineh scored the opening goal last weekend.
Abel Yalew scored a brace against Sao Tome & Principe.
Goalkeepers: Abubeker Nura, Firew Getahun, Seid Habtamu
Defenders: Alembirhan Yigzaw, Asrat Tonjo, Yared Kassaye, Abduselem Yesouf, Yared Baye, Ramkel James, Mignot Debebe, Girum Hagos
Midfielders: Habtamu Terkeste, Gatuoch Panom, Biruk Endale, Bizuayehu Seife, Wogene Gezahegn, Binyam Ayten
Forwards: Chernet Gugsa, Mesfin Tafesse, Abubeker Sanni, Kabbe Bizuneh, Abel Yalew, Kenean Markineh
Sao Tome & Principe
Goalkeepers: Pedro Mateus, Saiel Ramos, Yaniel Bonfim
Defenders: Rogério Fernandes, Adjakson Ramos, Gilberto Almeida, Edley Montoia, Ricardo Fernandes, Adjeil Neves
Midfielders: Paulo Lima, Nicola Bragança, Joel Neves, Waldimilson Santos
Forwards: Marcos Barbeiro, Kelve Semedo, Pedro Monteiro, Sérgio Male, Luis Costa (Dola), Hélder Samuel (Samuca), Ricardo Gué Cardoso, Ronaldo Lumungo, Gil Carvalho, Luis Leal