Tanzania and Ethiopia could only manage a point in their initial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier following a 0-0 draw at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The game kicked-off to a timid pace in Dar es Salaam with neither side showing any kind of attacking impetus during the first five minutes of the match. With the possession count divided early on, physical battles for the ball often broke out in the middle of the park.
Tanzania produced the first couple of shots at goal but were unable to trouble Seid Habtamu Aregawi in goal. At the other end of the pitch, Walyas picked up pockets of space in wide areas of the pitch but were often met with aggressive defending by the Taifa Stars
With the half-time whistle approaching, both the Taifa Stars and Walyas struggled to progress the ball toward the 18-yard-areas of the pitch. All attempts at goal during the last minutes of the half went wide of the mark as the game ended 0-0 at the break.
In view of changing the complexion of the game, Tanzania summoned Pascal Msindo from the bench while Ethiopia introduced Binyam Fikre and Adis Giday into the fold at the start of the second 45.
