June 09, (THEWILL) – Egypt were upset by Ethiopia at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, losing 2-0 in their second Group D match in the TotalEnergies 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, in the absence of star striker Mohamed Salah.
Salah, who was just named the PFA Player of the Year, was unable to play due to injury, and Ethiopia deservedly won the game thanks to goals from Dawa Hotessa and captain Shemeles Bekele in the first half.
In the 21st minute, Hotessa broke the deadlock with a sliding finish that beat goalie Mohamed Abou Gabal. The Walia Ibex scored the second goal five minutes before halftime: a thunderous Bekele effort from inside the box. The captain had started the move and sent it on to Amanuel Gebremichael, who put him through on goal.
Following the goal, Egypt made three unexpected changes, with Magdy Afsha, Amr el Solia, and Ayman Ashraf all being replaced by Ibrahim Adel, Kamal Omar, and Mohanad Lasheen.
Despite these attack-minded substitutions, Ethiopia forced them to play deep in the second half, and their attempt to claw their way back into the game failed. Although all four teams now have won one and lost one each, Egypt is bottom of Group D because of a -1 goal difference.
