An Ethiopian player clears the ball at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon (Happiraphael / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ethiopia’s national football team, the Walias, lost 0-1 to Senegal on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 Group J qualifier was played at Bahir Dar National Stadium. Ibrahim Mbaye scored the only goal in the 11th minute, and Senegal held that lead until the final whistle.
Home supporters filled the stands with hope after Friday’s late defeat to Sudan. The Walias fought hard again on home soil, but they left Bahir Dar still searching for a first point in the group. Fans across Ethiopia and the wider diaspora shared the same mix of pride and disappointment.
Early Goal, Long Night
Senegal struck early. Nicolas Jackson found Mbaye in the centre, and the finish put the visitors ahead after only eleven minutes. Match reports say it was Mbaye’s first start under new Senegal coach Patrick Vieira, and the goal gave the Lions of Teranga control of the night.
The Walias answered with pressure after the break. Reports said Kenean Markneh rose for a close header around the 56th minute, but Senegal goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf made a strong save. Ethiopia kept asking for an equaliser through open play and set pieces, yet the score stayed 0-1.
Several reports described Ethiopia as athletic and solid in defence for long spells. Senegal still left with the three points and their first win of the campaign. For Ethiopian supporters, the narrow margin showed fight, even if the result did not.
Where Group J Stands
The result leaves Ethiopia at the bottom of Group J with zero points from two matches. Sudan won 1-0 in Juba on Friday, September 25, when Mohamed Eisa scored late, and Senegal won in Bahir Dar on Tuesday. On the same matchday, Mozambique beat Sudan 4-1 and moved to the top of the group.
Senegal now sit second with four points after a 1-1 draw with Mozambique and this win over Ethiopia. Vieira also collected his first victory as Senegal head coach. For the Walias, the table looks hard after two narrow defeats, but qualifying remains a long road with matches still ahead.
Next Steps for the Walias
Public match calendars list Ethiopia’s next Group J meeting against Mozambique on November 11, 2026. Senegal are listed against Sudan on the same date. Exact kickoff times and venues can still change, so fans should watch official notices closer to the day.
Two close losses do not erase the pride of a home night in Bahir Dar. The players still hear the songs of supporters in living rooms from Addis Ababa to Washington and Dubai. Every remaining qualifier is another chance to climb and to reward that shared hope.
Which Walias player do you most want to see lead the attack when the team returns in November?
