2026 WCQ: Ethiopia coach Mesay Teferi: Egypt were better than us
- Omna Taddele
- Mar 22
- 1 min read
Photo Credit: Ethiopian Football Federation.
Ethiopia coach Mesay Teferi said his charges had a tough game against Group A leaders Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifier. The Pharaohs scored twice in the first half to take home three points against the Waliyas.
Speaking after the encounter Teferi said his side matched Egypt for quarter of an hour only. “We were competing with them till the first goal. Due to our defensive lapses, we conceded two goals. In the second interval we tried to change the situation but the result was not what we sought. But the second half was better. Nonetheless, all in all Egypt were better than us.”
Mohamed Salah was the star of the show with a goal and an assist. Ethiopia deployed a 5-4-1 system to stop the Liverpool star but they were caught napping in both goals as Salah decided the fate of the tie.
Teferi admitted his team were very poor in creating chances as they registered one shot off target throughout the game. “We were not using the width of the pitch. We were outnumbered when we reached the opposition box. So, we could not create scoring opportunities.”
Ethiopia will face Djibouti in matchday six at El Jadida on Tuesday, March 25. They are fifth in their group with three points.