The Ethiopian national team is set to face São Tomé and Príncipe in the first round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. This two-legged preliminary tie marks the first step in the team’s quest to return to Africa’s premier football stage.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the schedule for this high-stakes encounter. Since São Tomé and Príncipe chose to host their home match at a neutral venue in Morocco, Ethiopia will play the “away” fixture there.
The first leg is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 PM local time at the El Abdi Stadium in the coastal city of Rabat. The return leg is expected to take place in Ethiopia at the Dire Dawa Stadium amidst a vibrant atmosphere.
According to information from the Ethiopian Football Federation, this decisive second leg will kick off on Monday, March 31, at 4:00 PM. The aggregate winner of this tie will secure a spot in the group stages of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Following a long flight, the squad arrived on March 25, 2026. This early arrival is intended to help the players acclimatize to the local weather and ensure tactical readiness. The Walias, who conducted their final domestic training sessions until March 24, 2026, believe this schedule provides an ideal opportunity to adapt to Moroccan conditions.
This preliminary round represents a vital milestone for Ethiopia as they aim to advance to the continental group stages. Furthermore, as the team works toward qualifying for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup—to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—securing a strong result in this tie is expected to build significant momentum for the journey ahead.
Head coach Yohannes Sahle has been working intensively with the squad, focusing on tactical discipline and offensive cohesion. The technical staff has emphasized that achieving a positive result in this away match will pave the way for the second leg.
The squad’s preparation has been bolstered by the inclusion of both experienced international players and promising young talent. Before the team’s departure, officials from the Ethiopian Football Federation expressed their confidence in the squad’s readiness.
They noted that the selection of Morocco as a neutral ground eliminates any home-field advantage, placing the focus squarely on technical skill and mental fortitude. The federation also confirmed that all logistical arrangements have been finalized to ensure the team’s comfort and concentration throughout their stay.
While the match offers São Tomé and Príncipe an opportunity to cause an upset against a historically stronger footballing nation, the Walias are approaching the contest with caution.
They are fully aware that underestimating any opponent in such qualifiers can be costly. Given that preliminary rounds have historically produced unpredictable results, the national team is prepared to defend against any offensive threats from a motivated São Toméan side.
The Ethiopian national team, winners of the 1962 AFCON title, continues its efforts to re-establish itself as a consistent force in African football. Their last appearance in the AFCON group stages was in 2021 (held in 2022 in Cameroon).
The 2027 campaign represents a new chapter for this ambitious young squad aiming to secure a ticket to the East African finals.
The choice of Dire Dawa Stadium for the home leg is a strategic move to harness passionate local support. As the nation’s second-largest city with a deep love for the sport, Dire Dawa is expected to provide a major advantage for the team. The stadium, which has previously hosted international fixtures, is finalizing preparations for a full turnout of fans.
São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation off the coast of Central Africa, will look to leverage their underdog status. While their choice of Morocco as a home venue could potentially cause travel fatigue for the Ethiopian side, the Walias are considered the favorites on paper due to their deep pool of domestic and overseas talent.
