Ethiopia celebrates victory over Egypt after years of hurt

Due to a long-running rivalry, Ethiopia’s 2-0 victory over Egypt on Thursday in an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier carries a lot of meaning for Ethiopians.

In fact it was the first time Ethiopia has beaten its northern neighbour and six-time Afcon winner in 33 years, according to Caf.

Despite being a pioneer in African football, Ethiopia has been under-performing for years, which has left many football lovers in despair.

“Nothing makes me happier in football than seeing #Ethiopia beat #Egypt!,’”one wrote on Twitter, on Thursday.

Some couldn’t resist comparisons to the tensions between the two nations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd). The hydroelectric dam sits on the Nile upstream of Egypt, which sees it as a threat to the nation’s prosperity.

“Fill the goal. Fill the Gerd,” was one such comment.

Despite objections from Egypt, Ethiopia is generating electricity after the dam has been partially filled over the past two years.

The head of Ethiopia’s football body was also quoted saying the game has meaning other than football.

The game was played in Malawi as Ethiopia does not have a stadium that can host international fixtures.

By BBC