Ethiopia’s ambition of reaching the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations last 16 vanished into thin air after playing a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in their last Group A match at Stade Omnisports de Bafoussam in Kouekong.
The Walia Ibex needed a win handsomely in the clash to see them finish second in the Group A depending on the result of the other game between Cape Verde and Cameroon.
Having failed to pick maximum points the East Africans finished at the bottom of their group log with only a single point .
Burkina Faso progress as second placed team in Group A alongside Cameroon , who played to a one-all draw against Cape Verde.
Ethiopia had a bright start but the Stallions broke the deadlock in the 24th minute from a Cyrille Bayala who connected Adama Guira’s through ball into the back of the net.
The Walia Ibex also threatened after getting slow off the mark and almost grabbed the equalizer through a stroke of good fortune from Amanuel Yohannes, fortunately for Burkina Faso the attempt missed target.
Ethiopia squandered another chance to go ahead in the 41st minute when Getaneh Kebede showed great skill to evade Edmond Tapsobae, before picking out Yehun Endeshawwho headed over from close range under no pressure.
The sides went into the halftime break with Burkina Faso leading 1-0.
Ethiopia encountered a slow passage in the second half in which the Stalliojs nearly went ahead from a free-kick outside the area by Adama Guira, but Teklemariam Shanko collected.
The East Africans were desperate to get back into the game and they eventually pulled a goal on the 52nd minute courtesy of Getaneh Kebede who converted a penalty after Steeve Yago handled the ball in the area.
Burkina Faso went agonisingly close to restoring their lead on 86 minutes when Bertrand Traoré saw his curling effort hitting the side netting, before Shanko denied Yago.
That proved to be final clear-cut opening of the encounter, and in the end Burkina Faso waited for the final score from Olembe when it was confirmed that Cape Verde have held Cameroon to a 1-1 draw and the Stallions knew they had advanced to the knockout stages.
How they lined up:
Burkina Faso: Farid Ouedraogo – Issa Kabore, Issoufou, Edmond Tapsoba, Steeve Yago – Adam Guira, Gustavo Sangare, Blati Toure – Cyrille Baya, Boureima Bande, Bertrand Traore
Ethiopia: Teklemariam Shanko – Asrat Tonjo, Aschalew Tamene Seyoum, Yared Baye, Remdan Yusuf – Amanuel Yohanis, Yehun Endeshaw, Dukele Hotessa, Surafel Dagnachew, Abubeker, Nasir – Getaneh Kebede.
