Ethiopia vs South Africa Preview & Tips - Bafana Bafana to settle for point against tough Ethiopia

Ethiopia hold a 1-0 advantage against South Africa across two previous meetings. The sides last met in 2014 World Cup qualifying which saw a 1-1 draw in South Africa and 2-1 home win for Ethiopia.

Ethiopia are very strong at home and won all three 2022 AFCON qualifiers on their own turf. Walia Ibex beat Ivory Coast 2-1, Niger 3-0 and Madagascar 4-0 on route to securing qualification.

They then drew 0-0 with Sierra Leona and beat Uganda 2-1 in friendly matches. Ethiopia began 2022 World Cup qualification with a 1-0 defeat in Ghana.

A 94th minute penalty by Aschalew Tamene secured a crucial 1-0 home win against Zimbabwe in their last match.

Coach Wubetu Abate has selected a squad of entirely home-based players.

Getaneh Kebede is a key striker and previously plied his trade in South Africa at Bidvest Wits.

Goalkeepers: Fasil Gebremichael, Firew Getahun, Teklemariam Shanko, Jemal Tassew.

Defenders: Menaf Awol, Yared Baye, Aschalew Tamene, Desta Yohannes, Suliman Hameed, Remedan Yesuf, Asrat Tunjo, Mignot Debebe

Midfielders: Haider Sherefa, Mesud Mohamed, Amanuel Yohannes, Tafesse Solomon, William Solomon, Gatoch Panom, Yehun Endeshaw, Habtamu Takeste, Surafel Dagnachew, Fitsum Alemu

Forwards: Shemeket Gugsa, Abubeker Nassir, Amanuel Gebremichael, Getaneh Kebede, Abel Yalew, Mujib Kassim.

South Africa are in strong defensive form with no goals conceded in eight matches. They did however fail to qualify for AFCON 2022 after losing 2-0 in Sudan when just a point would have been enough. 

After a 3-2 friendly win against Uganda, South Africa won the 2021 COSAFA Cup on home soil with a team of fringe players. They beat Senegal on penalties in the final after a 0-0 draw. They did not concede a goal in the tournament.

Bafana Bafana opened their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign witha  0-0 draw in Zimbabwe. That disappointment was eased when Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored an 83rd minute winner at home against Ghana in their last match.

Coach Hugo Broos is without key forward Percy Tau due to injury. Winger Luther Singh has issues with his passport so is also unavailable.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielders Themba Zwane and Rivaldo Coetzee continue to be omitted. Uncapped midfielder Jesse Donn has received his first call-up.

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Bruce Bvuma, Veli Mothwa

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Siyanda Xulu, Rushine De Reuck, Njabulo Ngcobo, Terrence Mashego, Sifiso Hlanti, Thabani Zuke, Luke Fleurs

Midfielders: Njabulo Blom, Ethan Brooks, Mothobi Mvala, Teboho Mokoena, Jesse Donn, Yusuf Maart

Forwards: Tshegofatso Mabasa, Bongkuhle Hlongwane, Evidence Makgopa, Victor Letsoalo, Vincent Pule