By Andrew Warshaw
June 19 – Ethiopia look resigned to having their hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup jeopardised after admitting fielding an ineligible player in a recent qualifier. Within hours of their 2-1 win over South Africa on Sunday to finish top of their group and qualify for the decisive playoff round, euphoria turned to grave concern when Fifa revealed Ethiopia had broken the rules in their match away to Botswana on June 8 which they also won 2-1.
The Ethiopians have now admitted their error, potentially handing a lifeline to South Africa, who were all but eliminated having hosted the World Cup four years ago, and to Botswana.
“We have evaluated the situation and we came across the issue that we made a mistake,” Ethiopian Football Federation president Sahilu Gebremariam told Reuters.
Ethiopia had opened up an unassailable five-point lead in the group but now, if they are docked three points, a place in the final round of qualifying will be up for grabs. Ethiopia would suddenly be on 10 points, South Africa eight and Botswana seven with each having one match left to play.
It transpires that the player concerned was Minyahile Beyene since the midfielder was suspended for the match against Botswana having picked up two yellow cards in previous qualifiers.
Gebremariam added: “We are not frustrated at all since we are still leading the group. The only thing to do now is to concentrate for the next game. I am confident that we will do our best.”
In their final second-round matches on September 6, Ethiopia play away against Central African Republic, while South Africa host Botswana.
Togo have also admitted fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Cameroon on 9 June and likewise seem certain to be sanctioned by Fifa.
Federation member Toussa Komi Gabriel told the BBC that Alaixys Romao should not have played. “It’s true that the Togolese team didn’t find out if the player was qualified (to play) before using him,” said Komi.
Togo were out of contention but if their points are handed to Cameroon, it will hand the Indomitable Lions, traditionally one of Africa’s strongest teams, a massive World Cup lifeline. Cameroon currently trail Group leaders Libya by two points but would move a point clear in the table with one game remaining.
The 10 group winners from the second round advance to the playoff knockout