SUPPOSED soccer minnows, Ethiopia stunned the world Monday when they held defending African champions, Zambia to a thrilling 1-1 draw in a Group C match at the Mbombela Stadium.

Back at the Nations Cup after 31 years of absence, Ethiopia, played with ten men after goalkeeper Jemal Tassew, was sent off in the first half by referee Castane Otogo for fouling Chisamba Lungu, and still got a much deserved draw with the Zambians, were were left rocked with the result.

It was a game of record as the Ethiopians finally scored their first goal at the Nations Cup. They had never scored in their previous outings at the tournament.

Zambia’s Stoppila Sunzu (L) battles for the ball with Ethiopia’s Said Ahmed during yesterday’s match at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. It ended 1-1.PHOTO: AFP

Goalkeeper Jemal Tassew’s flying chest-high kick on Zambian midfielder Chisamba Lungu caused an 11-minute delay in the eventful game at the Mbombela Stadium and his dismissal provoked an angry response from the passionate Ethiopian fans who threw bottles and vuvuzelas on the pitch in protest.

They were already upset after their key player Saladin Seid missed a penalty in the 25th minute after he was earlier denied what looked to be a certain goal as the ball bounced over an open goal on the hard surface.

The Ethiopian fans were even unhappier before the halftime whistle went when Collins Mbesuma fired Zambia ahead with a left-footed half-volley past substitute keeper Zerihun Tadelle.

However, Ethiopia equalised in the 65th minute when their skipper Adane Girma powered home a shot that went in off the post and they held on for a point.

The crowd went wild in the stadium

Girma shot into the near post after being played in by a deft pass by Saladin Said. Addis Hintsa began the move with an incisive through ball, that is what you call impact from the bench.

Zambia looked to reestablish their lead immediately, calling for a penalty when Mbesuma took a tumble in the box only to see Otogo-Castane brandish a yellow card for simulation rather than point to the spot.

Jacob Mulenga then pulled off a repeat of Katongo’s early miss, skying a free header when he really ought to have scored.

Ethiopia weren’t simply settling for a draw, however. The Wayla Antelopes were inspired by their equaliser and throwing bodies forward in an attempt to earn a shocking winner, they caused Mweene more than a few scares as time wound down.

Zurihun’s net didn’t look particularly secure either, but after 90 thrilling minutes and then three of injury time, the exhausted teams ended up with a point apiece.