Mohamed Eisa proved to be the hero for Sudan, scoring an 86th-minute winner to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over East African rivals Ethiopia.
The contest was an intense, physical battle that remained deadlocked for most of the match. As the second half wore on, discipline began to unravel for the Ethiopian side. After Mesfin Tafesse received Ethiopia’s first yellow card in the 55th minute, a flurry of bookings late in the game—including cautions for S. Yohanes (81′), G. Lech (83′), and S. Bereket (85′)—left Ethiopia vulnerable under sustained pressure.
Sudan seized on the momentum just a minute after the final booking. Eisa found the back of the net in the 86th minute, breaking Ethiopian hearts and breaking the stalemate.
Tactical adjustments played a key role down the stretch. Both managers turned to their benches in search of fresh legs, with Sudan introducing Ahmed Taba, Salah Adil, and Yasir Mozamil, while Ethiopia brought on F. Tilahun and Carlos Damtew. Ultimately, it was Sudan’s persistence that paid off, holding on through the closing minutes to seal a crucial win.
