Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group D qualifier between Ethiopia and Malawi ended in a scoreless draw, allowing Guinea to join the group of nations that have successfully qualified for next year’s competition. The match took place at Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputo.

Following Guinea’s loss to group winners Egypt last week, the Walia Ibex and the Flames had a chance to pass the Syli National, which was in second position.

The number of qualified teams has increased to 15 after a frustrating match in which neither team was able to take advantage of their opportunities: Ivory Coast (hosts), Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Egypt, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Mali, and Guinea.

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Malawi had the better start of the two teams and came close to taking the lead in the 12th minute when Chawangwa Kawonga was set free along the right side of the penalty area after a nice move, but Ethiopia goalkeeper Said Habtamu well blocked his effort from a tight angle.
In the 27th minute, the Flames had another opportunity to score when Alick Lungu’s corner kick found the unmarked Dennis Chembezi, but the defender’s glancing shot flew just over the crossbar.

Through the first half, Malawi maintained control of the match and launched numerous more promising attacks, but the score remained 0-0 at the break.

After the break, Ethiopia significantly improved and created their first real chance in the 55th minute. Canaan Markneh was left unmarked and met Binyam Belay’s exquisite cross from the left, but the latter’s close-range shot was blocked by Malawi goalkeeper Brighton Munthali.

With just under 20 minutes remaining in regulation, the Walia Ibex again presented a threat when substitute forward Yusuf Tarekgen drove into the penalty area and sent a shot on goal, but Munthali easily saved the shot.

The goalkeeper immediately found himself in crucial action once more, intercepting Belay’s low left-side cross as the “hosts” kept up their offensive onslaught.

However, neither end of the field saw any more clear opportunities, and the game ended in a scoreless draw that eliminated both clubs.

In September, dead-rubber matches between Egypt and Ethiopia and Malawi and Guinea will conclude Group D.