Ethiopia were eager to feature at the 2021 AFCON after making a return having been missing in action at the competition for eight years. As so, they were the first country to make their entry to Cameroon, doing so days before the end of 2021.After three matches, they will be the first to leave, without winning either of their three games, conceding six goals and only managing to score twice.Their dreams of adding a second AFCON title will only remain that, for now. A dream. But, with their young team comprised of mostly local-based players, they could be up for some exciting appearances in future editions. Perhaps.Coming into the last game, Walias had very slight chances of advancing. they needed to beat Burkina Faso by a lot, but they ended up sharing the spoils in their last match, and Burkina Faso sailed through.The Stallions are venturing off to the knockouts! 🐎#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #TeamBurkinaFaso pic.twitter.com/36AOTl6txg— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 17, 2022 Burkina Faso scored first in the first half through Cyrille Bayala, then Ethiopia did so at the start of the second period from the spot courtesy of Getaneh kebede following an intervention by the VAR.Ethiopia could have taken the lead after just 10 minutes through Getaneh Kebede but his shot towards the top corner after being set up by Abubeker Nasir was tipped over the bar by Sofiane Ouedraogo in goal.Seconds later, Yihun Endashaw saw his shot blocked out for a corner, another chance for Ethiopia to go ahead went into the drains.The two attempts in quick succession by Ethiopia were a wake-up call to Burkina Faso, who put up a different showing of their own to take control of the game.Gustavo Sangaré was ambitious enough 17 minutes in the game, perhaps even over-ambitious, but his shot from more than 30 yards went over the bar without causing Teklemariam Shanko any threat.FULL TIME #TeamBurkinaFaso 1-1 #TeamEthiopia As the last match of group A comes to an end, the Stallions make it to the round of 1⃣6⃣. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #BFAETH pic.twitter.com/V1DlTgkynm— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 17, 2022 Burkina Faso’s efforts would pay off 24 minutes in the game through Cyrille Bayala. Adama Guira lofted the ball beautifully behind the backline and Bayala pounced on it, guiding it home for the opener with a left-footed shot, and wheeled away in celebrations.With 10 minutes left in the first half, Kebede was on the end of yet another attacking attempt, this time after teaming up with Dawa Hotessa but his effort was saved, and The Stallions held on to the lead into the break.To fancy a spot in the knockouts, Ethiopia needed to score at least six goals without Burkina Faso adding to the one they had, and Wubetu Abate charges started the second half on a high.Ethiopia were beneficiaries of the VAR, being awarded a penalty after Steeve Yago was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area just three minutes after the resumption. Kebede stepped up to take the resultant kick and dispatched it to the bottom left corner magnificently to level the scores.G⚽AL! #TeamBurkinaFaso 1-1 #TeamEthiopiaGetaneh Kebede equalizes the result for the Walias! 🤝#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #BFAETH pic.twitter.com/2DDxSIBwQ1— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 17, 2022 Abate was the first to make changes as Bezabih Melayu and Mesfin Tafesse came on to replace Yihun Endashaw and Hottesa at the stoke of the hour mark, Burkina Faso responded by bringing in Dango Ouattara for their goalscorer Bayala.Ouattara had a chance instantly, but his effort went over the bar and he could not restore the lead for Burkina Faso.The substitutes were having a moment, as Tafesse also came close for Ethiopia but also missed by a couple of inches.Ethiopia had their final substitution as Amanuel Gebremichael replaced Surafel Dagnachew, with Zakaria Sanogo coming on for Hassane Bandé in the Stallions campAttempts by either team to grab the win remained futile, and both had to settle for the draw, a good result for Burkina Faso who sailed through nevertheless as Ethiopia exited.
