After a disappointing spell in their World Cup 2022 qualifiers, Zimbabwe looks to sign off in style this weekend when they host Ethiopia. The match schedules for Sunday at the National Sports Stadium with kickoff at 4 pm.
Both sides have discouraging spells in the group stages. The hosts remain winless after five fixtures in the group stages. Their opponents only have one win to show from five matches so far.
Zimbabwe lost to South Africa for the fourth consecutive game in all competitions. On Thursday, they suffered a 1-0 defeat against the hosts in an international friendly match played at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Teboho Mokoena’s first-half strike was enough to salvage a draw from an unfortunate 2-0 defeat to Bantu Stars at the First National Bank Stadium.
Their fate is not yet sealed, though, and there is still time for them to turn their fortunes around.
Sunday’s showdown with already-qualified South Africa in Harare should be viewed as a chance to gain the momentum needed to get over the line.
Group H leaders Ghana took the lead through David Accam in the 26th minute before Saladin Said equalized for Ethiopia eight minutes after the break.
Ethiopia has only scored two goals in three matches and will need to start finding the back of the net to help them turn their qualification around.
Zimbabwe vs. Ethiopia Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other, with Ethiopia picking the win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- South Africa 1-0 Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe 0-1 Ghana
- Ghana 3-1 Zimbabwe
- Ethiopia 1-0 Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe 0-0 South Africa
Away
- Ethiopia 1-1 Ghana
- South Africa 1-0 Ethiopia
- Ethiopia 1-3 South Africa
- Ethiopia 1-0 Zimbabwe
- Ghana 1-0 Ethiopia
Zimbabwe Team News
Getaneh Kebede has shown he is fully fit, dangerous in the air, and a handful for opposing defenders. The Cardiff City forward scored both goals versus Botswana in a historic 2-0 victory for Ethiopia.
The first was a header from a corner kick, while the second came late in the game when Getaneh Kebede used his physicality to run past three defenders before making no mistake with his finish.
Ethiopia Team News
Blessing Sarupinda was substituted before the hour mark against Platinum Stars last time out as he picked up a knock, but he is expected to be fit and should reclaim his place in the center of midfield.
Prediction and Odds
Given their recent loss, we expect Zimbabwe to seek revenge and get their first win.
- Zimbabwe Win
- Correct Score: 1-0
- Goals Under 2.5
