ADDIS ABABA: The mood was one of mooted optimism following Ethiopia's first group match in the African Cup of Nations against defending champion Zambia. Fans were pleased their national team pulled out a 1-1 draw in South Africa, but felt they should have had the victory, even though they finished the match with only 10 men. The Ethiopians missed a penalty that could have given them the win. Saldin Said won but failed to convert a 23rd-minute spot-kick before keeper Jemal Tassew was shown a straight red card for serious foul play just after the half-hour mark. Collins Mbesuma finished with aplomb to put Zambia ahead seconds before the break, but the Chipolopolo seemed to ease off in the second half and Ethiopia – despite being a man light – made them pay when Adane Girma fired home on 65 minutes. Zambia did push for a winner but they looked worryingly short of ideas, although Jacob Mulenga missed a straightforward chance late on. “I think we played all right and we can do a much better job in the next match so that is positive,” avid football fan Milaiya told Bikyanews.com at a local cafe shortly after the match ended. The two sides will next face off against Burkina Faso and Nigeria in their second group match. The top two teams advance to the quarterfinals. Bikyanews.com
