Ethiopia have given themselves the best chance of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon next year with a 2-1 win over Seychelles in their final Group J qualifier at the Hawassa International Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Ethiopians had to come from behind to earn the win after a 21st minute goal from Achuye Henerite gave Seychelles the lead against the run of play.
Ethiopia, though, quickly hit back and restored parity in the 34th minute courtesy of a strike from Getaneh Kebede which took the teams into the break locked at 1-1 as he took his Afcon 2017 goal tally to 6 being the top scorer.
Ten minutes into the second half Ethiopia were afforded the chance to take the lead after the referee awarded a penalty-kick.
Saladin Said stepped up for the home side and made no mistake from the spot to hand his side the lead, 2-1.
The Seychelles tried to find their way back into the game, but could not penetrate the Ethiopian defence.
The result sees Ethiopia in second place in Group J with 11 points from six games, behind Algeria who top the group with 13 points from five games.
Seychelles are in third place in Group J with four points from six games, followed by Lesotho who have three points but are in action on Sunday against Algeria.
Ethiopia (1) 2 (Kebede 34’, Said 56’ pen)
Seychelles (1) (Tassew 21’)
