Forward Abel Yalew netted a brace to help Ethiopia defeat Sao Tome & Principe 3-0 in a TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier tie played on Friday.
Kenean Markneh gave the visiting Ethiopia team the lead after 22 minutes at the El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida in Morocco.
The hosts tried to reorganize themselves, but Yalew made it 2-0 after 31 minutes. Yalew was on target against in the second half after 78 minutes to give Ethiopia the advantage ahead of their home return leg to be played on March 31st.
In the other matches played Burundi humbled hosts Chad 4-0 in the first leg played at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena. Jordi Liongola, Bienvenue Kanakimana, Abdoul Karim and Mossi Nduwumwe were all on target.
Elsewhere, Somalia and Mauritius played out a goalless draw in their first-leg clash, leaving their tie finely balanced heading into the return fixture.
Teams that qualify from the preliminary stage will join the better ranked team to be drawn for the group stage of the qualifiers. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host AFCON 2027.
