Sudan - Ethiopia

Sudan and Ethiopia look to establish early dominance in their Africa Cup of Nations Qualification Group J campaign as they meet for the matchday 1 fixture on 25 September 2026. Both sides enter this encounter aiming to secure vital points in a competitive group, with the pressure of the opening round setting the tone for the qualification journey ahead.

Recent history between these two nations suggests a tight contest, as Sudan demonstrated their tactical edge in their most recent meetings during the African Nations Championship Qualification in late 2024. Sudan secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg followed by a 2-1 win in the second leg, ultimately prevailing in the tie. While their previous friendly encounters in 2021 and 2022 were often defined by high-scoring draws and narrow margins, the competitive nature of this qualification match promises a fresh test for both squads.