Menyahel Teshome was the hero for the Walia Antelopes firing in the winner to seal an historic moment for the East African nation.
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It was a special moment for the midfielder as it was his fielding against Botswana that saw the side docked three points by Fifa as he was ineligible to play.
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Following the win, Ethiopia top Group A with 13 points, two ahead of South Africa who beat Botswana 4-1 in Durban.
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Needing a win to stay to seal progress, Ethiopia suffered a blow before kick off after striker Getaneh Kebede failed to shake off a knock with Omod Okwury Omod taking his place.
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The nerves were evident early on as Ethiopia struggled to settle against a lively CAR side.
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They then found themselves a goal down after 20 minutes when Salif Keita scored from close range to stun the group leaders.
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Coach Sewnet Bishaw made a change at halftime withdrawing the off colour Okwury and introducing Behailu Assefa.
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The equaliser came three minutes after the restart through playmaker Salhadin Said who found the back of the net to bring the visitors level off an Adane Girma assist.
Ehtiopia deserves it more than South Africa that's why I'm happy they qualified at their expense...Very Good one!