ADDIS ABABA: The Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, was the scene of massive celebrations on Sunday evening and into Monday morning after their national football team did exactly what it had to in order to qualify for the country's first African Cup of Nations finals in 31 years. “I can't believe it. This is such a proud moment for this country. Ethiopia is great,” one man shouted at Bikyamasr.com as he hauled the Ethiopian flag into the air shortly after the 2-0 victory over Sudan here on Sunday evening. Others followed suit. It was pure joy and celebrations for the country, who for decades had struggled to even make it to the continent's top championship. It wasn't an easy match, however. The first half ended nil-nil, but the Walya Antelopes scored in the 63rd minute to set up the dramatic second goal only three minutes later by popular Salhadin Seid. The team then held on for the victory and the celebrations began. “We are on our way and this is the best thing for this country after so much turmoil in recent months,” said Atef, a Muslim Ethiopian who praised the way the country had come together. “Right now we don't worry about any divisions, we are all Ethiopians and proud,” he told Bikyamasr.com in the early morning hours of Monday as he and a group of friends who had attended the match were too excited to sleep. Much of the country was similar, as cafes were crammed with smiles and happiness. Ethiopia overcame a 5-3 deficit from the first leg in Sudan last month and came through with the 2-0 victory to punch their ticket to next year's championship in South Africa. For the country, in a transition period, it was a time of coming together and on Sunday evening, it showed, as women, men, children and all joined together to celebrate the qualification.
