Ibrahim Mbaye’s 11th-minute goal was enough to give Senegal a 1-0 victory over Ethiopia in Match Round 2 of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

2027 Africa Cup of Nations

0-1

Match Report

An early goal by Ibrahim Mbaye in the 11th minute has been the difference in the match.

This match is crucial for both teams after they both failed to secure a win in their first Group J fixtures.

Ethiopia entered the match under pressure following a narrow 0-1 loss to Sudan. A goal by Mohamed Eisa in the 86th minute left Ethiopia without points from their opening game.

Meanwhile, Senegal could only manage a 1-1 draw against Mozambique in their first match. Nicolas Jackson had put the Lions of Teranga ahead in the 32nd minute before Geny Catamo scored the equalizer just before halftime.

Ibrahim Mbaye Opens Senegal's Lead

Senegal attempted to take control of the game from the opening minutes. Patrick Vieira's squad features several players competing in European leagues, including Nicolas Jackson, Ibrahim Mbaye, Lamine Camara, and Pape Gueye.

Senegal's pressure paid off in the 11th minute.

Ibrahim Mbaye successfully put the visitors in the lead, forcing Ethiopia to adjust their game plan earlier than intended. The 0-1 scoreline held as the match approached the end of the first half at the time of writing.

Mbaye is one of the young players receiving opportunities at the start of Patrick Vieira's tenure with the Senegal national team.

In Senegal's lineup, Vieira entrusted the goalkeeper position to Yehvann Diouf. The backline consists of Moussa Niakhaté, Sadibou Sané, Malang Sarr, and El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Meanwhile, Senegal's midfield is reinforced by Lamine Camara and Pape Gueye. In the attacking sector, Assane Diao, Abdallah Sima, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Nicolas Jackson were the choices from the first minute. Moussa Niakhaté was also entrusted with the captain's armband for the match.

Line-ups

Ethiopia XI: Gathouch Panom, Yared Baye, Kenean Markneh, Abel Yalew, Habtamu Tekeste, Cherinet Gugsa, Birhanu Bekele, Abubeker Nuri, Biniam Fikre, Bereket Samuel, Samuel Yohannes

Subs: Dawa Hotessa, Beneyam Belay, Frew Getahun, Seid Habtamu, Fitsum Tilahun, Habtamu Gulilat, Ramkel James, Abduselam Yusuf, Carlos Damtew, Rohobot Selalo

Senegal XI: Niakhate, Sarr, Yehvann Diouf, Pape Gueye, Abdallah Sima, Nicolas Jackson, Lamine Camara, Assane Diao, Sadibou Sané, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mbaye

Subs: Gueye, Koulibaly, Mory Diaw, Thiam, Boulaye Dia, Pape Sarr, Issa Soumaré, Lamine Sy, Mamadou Sarr, Nobel Mendy, Pape Moussa Fall, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye