Ethiopia’s national football team, the Walias, opened their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign with a narrow loss. Sudan won 1-0 in the Group J match on Friday, September 25, 2026. The game was played at Juba National Stadium in Juba.
The result hurts, but it does not end the journey. Qualifying for a big continental tournament takes patience across many match nights. The Walias still have time to climb the table and show their best form for the fans who travel with them in spirit.
A late goal decides a tight night
Both sides stayed level for a long time on Friday. Reports said the first half ended without a goal. The Walias worked hard to hold their shape as Sudan pressed for a breakthrough.
Mohamed Eisa scored for Sudan in the 86th minute. That late strike gave Sudan all three points in a hard-fought opener. Ethiopian Monitor and Foot Africa covered the result and described a close contest until the final minutes.
A match that stays scoreless for so long often turns on one moment. Fans who followed every pass felt that turn in the closing stretch. The Walias had periods of play, yet the winning chance fell to Sudan near the end.
Group J after the first matchday
In the other Group J game, Mozambique drew 1-1 with Senegal. After matchday one, Sudan sit top with three points. Senegal and Mozambique have one point each, and Ethiopia have zero.
The early table does not decide the group. AFCON qualifying still has many matches left for every side. Points taken at home often shape the race more than an away opener in a new stadium.
Group J also includes Senegal, one of Africa’s strongest sides in recent years. Mozambique proved they can take points from big names on the same night. Sudan used Friday’s win to move into first place. The Walias know the path is steep, and they also know every point counts from here.
Eyes on Tuesday against Senegal
Ethiopia’s next qualifier is at home against Senegal on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. A strong home crowd can lift the Walias after a hard start. Fans across Ethiopia and the diaspora will watch with hope and pride.
Home nights matter for this team in a special way. Songs in the stands, flags in the streets, and quiet prayers in living rooms all travel with the players. Tuesday is a chance to answer Friday’s late loss with courage and clear play.
The team can still write a better story in this group. One late goal ended Friday’s night, but Tuesday offers a fresh chance. The Walias carry the green, yellow, and red for millions who love Ethiopian football.
Sudan earned a solid start, and Senegal remain a tough rival. Still, home support has lifted Ethiopian sides before in big moments. Many supporters will fill the stands and fill living rooms with song and cheer.
Coaches and players will review what went wrong in the final minutes. They will also keep what went right: discipline, effort, and belief through a long match. Fans ask for fight and focus on the next whistle. The Walias can give both when Tuesday arrives.
AFCON PAMOJA 2027 is a long road for every nation in the draw. One defeat does not define a full campaign. Community pride stays strong when the team stays united and the crowd stays loud.
Will you be watching when the Walias host Senegal on Tuesday?
