South Africa vs. Ethiopia: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

Ethiopia got a huge 2-1 victory on Sunday to eliminate South Africa from contention in the 2014 World Cup.

Ethiopia entered Sunday with a two-point lead over South Africa in Group A of African qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil. With only one match remaining for both squads, the five-point advantage is enough to win the pool.

Unfortunately for the losing squad, only one team advances to the next round from each group. 

It appeared as though South Africa had a chance in the early going. After some chances from both sides, the road team got on the board first with a score by Bernard Parker in the 34th minute.

Neal Collins of The New Age described the opening score:

However, that lead did not last long, as Ethopia was able to get the equalizer before halftime. Getaneh Kebede took advantage of a mistake from the defense and got the ball close to the net, which he easily finished to make the score 1-1 in the 44th minute.

As Fisseha Tegegn of the blog Total 433 notes, this was truly a strong effort from everyone involved:

By halftime, the fans could not contain themselves, as demonstrated by Aki Anastasiou:

After intermission, the match was just as competitive, although one big mistake ended up making the difference. Parker once again showed his scoring ability in the 70th minute, although it was on the wrong end of the pitch.

The forward headed the ball directly into his own net, giving Ethiopia the 2-1 lead with not much time remaining on the clock.

Jonty Mark was one of many people who were impressed by the shot, despite the fact that it went in the wrong direction:

Still, this was enough to sink South Africa for the match, and as a result, the rest of qualifying. Ethiopia held on to the lead and clinched the division to advance to the next round.

The hosts of the 2010 World Cup gave a valiant effort, but it was not enough on the day.

Grades

Bernard Parker, South Africa: B-

It is hard to be too rough on Bernard Parker. He was able to put his side on top in the early going, although he canceled that effort with an own goal late in the match. In reality, South Africa would be in the same position if the forward did not play at all, so the grade cannot be too bad for having the decisive mistake.

Tokelo Anthony Rantie, South Africa: A-

Despite coming in as a sub, Tokelo Anthony Rantie was a big part of the match. He created a bunch of strong opportunities for himself and others late in the contest and almost helped his side tie the score a number of times. 

Getaneh Kebede, Ethiopia: A

With a goal shortly after halftime that ignited the home crowd, Getaneh Kebede became almost a national hero in an instant. He was often around the ball throughout the match and his strong efforts helped Ethiopia advance to the next round.

Minyahil Teshome Beyene, Ethiopia: A-

On both ends of the pitch, the midfielder did everything in his ability to help his squad. He was there to clear balls on the defensive end, and he pushed the action on offense to complete a strong day of work.

Ethiopia

Pos.	Player	Grade
G	Jemal Tassew	A-
D	Abebaw Butako	B-
D	Aynalem Hailu Reda	B+
D	Biyadigligm Zewc	B
M	Addis Hintsa	B
M	Asrat Megersa Gobena	B+
M	Minyahile Teshome Beyene	A-
M	Shimeles Bekele (Off 60')	C+
F	Tafese Tesfaye	B
F	Getaneh Kebede	A
F	Saladin Said	B-
Substitutes
M	Adane Girma (On 60')	B-

South Africa

Pos.	Player	Grade
G	Itumeleng Isaac Khune	B-
D	Anele Ngcongca	B
D	Eric Molomowanadou Mathoho	B+
D	Tebogo Langerman	B
D	Thabo Nthethe	C+
M	Dean Furman	B-
M	May Simphiwe Mahlangu	B
M	Reneilwe Letsholonyane	A-
M	Lawrence Siphiwe Tshabalala	B
M	Thuso Phala	C
F	Bernard Melvin Parker	B-
Substitutes
F	Tokelo Anthony Rantie (On 51')	A-
M	Tlou Mashedi Segolela (On 65')	B
F	Katlego Mashego (On 79')	B-

What's Next?

World Cup qualifying does not continue for either team until Sept. 6. Ethiopia has a road match against Central African Republic, while South Africa hosts Botswana in the final contests for both sides in this round. 

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