Shebapost Contributor:

When it was found out Guinea would be our team’s next opponent to qualify for the 13th African Cup, everybody was worried. At that time, Guinea was one of the strongest teams in Africa. That was in spring 1981. The first game was in Guinea and our team did the unthinkable, they registered a 2-2 tie, and that was as good as winning. Because the two goals scored on Guinea gave a huge advantage to our team, and brighten our hopes of qualifying to the Nations Cup. There was a huge excitement in Ethiopia and we couldn't wait to see our team. Unfortunately our excitement turned into sorrow when we found out 7 members of that team decided not to return to Ethiopia. The return game was in few months and it would a huge task for the coaches to replace those seven priceless players. The preparations started, and good news started to come out from every corner about our team’s readiness for the Guinea game.
It was one Sunday in September 1981, The Stadium was sold out and fans were singing and dancing in support of the national team. It was such a great atmosphere. The game started, but to the dismay of the fans in the Stadium Guinea scored first….the stadium that was loud, turned into a complete silence The game went on, but not much happened until very late in the second half. A cross from Mulualem Ejigu met the head of Mohammed Usman (Mig), …Mig scored it, and that turned out to be the goal that sent our team to its last African Nations Cup appearance. The Stadium erupted with excitement..people danced on the streets well into the night. That was 31 years ago. Since then our team tried to qualify and they came up short in many occasions…But after 31 years a group of young men came to make history, to make up for all the disappointment caused by previous teams. Let’s hope they can do it.

The last Ethiopian National Team that made it to the African Cup 1974 E.C/1982

If the first game was any indication, we have a very good team and we can make it to South Africa 2013. Our team played great in first the game in Sudan. If it wasn't for a bad officiating, our team would have registered a much better result. The game was a 3-3 tie until the Cameroonian referee decided to give two unjust penalties, that helped Sudan win by the score of 5-3. Our team should put that bad experience in Khartoum behind them and show the world they belong to Africa’s best.
Victory for the Ethiopian Team!