Outplayed in possession, Ethiopia found the breakthrough in the 87th minute through striker Canaan Markneh and won 1-0 against Mozambique at the Estádio do Zimpeto in Maputo. The victory gives them their first three points in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
In the 87th minute, Canaan Markneh unlocked a match Mozambique thought they had under control. On the pitch, the numbers tell a different story from the scoreline: 71% possession and 16 shots for the hosts, against 11 for Ethiopia, according to OnzedAfrik. A single goal was enough to swing the match (source: CECAFA Online).
This 1-0 gives Ethiopia their first three points in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Mozambique, meanwhile, remain stuck on four points and watch Senegal pull away.
A smash-and-grab signed Markneh
On paper, the script looked like a one-sided affair. Mozambique kept the ball and piled up shots, but ran into an Ethiopian defence that held firm. By failing to convert, the hosts left themselves exposed: Canaan Markneh popped up in the 87th minute to score the only goal of the game (source: CECAFA Online).
The striker thus bags a precious goal in a qualifying campaign where every point counts. The win was secured away from home, in Maputo. Mozambique, dominant, go away beaten by a single moment.
Group J tightens up
With these three points, Ethiopia now have three in Group J, according to OnzedAfrik. Mozambique stay on four points, behind Senegal on seven. AllAfrica notes that Senegal take advantage of the result to sit three points clear of Mozambique and four ahead of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia are no longer on zero points and can look ahead in the competition with more confidence. Mozambique, on the other hand, let slip the chance to close in on Senegal. The match statistics underline the gap between control of the game and efficiency in front of goal.
Next up on 17 November
The two national teams will meet again soon: the return match Ethiopia – Mozambique is scheduled for 17 November 2026 at 21:00. It will give both sides the chance to confirm or correct their trajectory in a group where Senegal already occupy top spot.