Ethiopia vs Senegal Prediction

Ethiopia host Senegal on 29 September 2026 at 16:00 in the second round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying at Bahir Dar International Stadium. The sides meet for the first time in 29 years, their last encounter a 3-0 Senegal win in June 1997. Ethiopia lost their opener 0-1 to Sudan, conceding in the 86th minute after a solid defensive display. Senegal drew 1-1 with Mozambique, with Nicolas Jackson scoring in the 32nd minute before the opposition equalized before half-time. Both teams failed to win their Group J openers and now face a significant step up in opposition.

Form and H2H

Senegal hold a commanding head-to-head record, winning their last three meetings and scoring 10 goals while conceding two. Ethiopia have not qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations since 2021, when they managed one point across three group-stage matches. They did not appear at the 2023 or 2025 tournaments. Patrick Vieira took charge of Senegal after a disappointing World Cup campaign and still commands a squad with quality throughout: Nicolas Jackson, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, and Iliman Ndiaye all remain available. Ethiopia showed defensive resilience against Sudan but face a far more demanding test against opponents with superior squad depth and individual talent.

Best bet

Senegal to win at 1.36 with 1xBet or 22Bet. Ethiopia can organize defensively for stretches, as they proved against Sudan, but Senegal's attacking options and Vieira's tactical adjustments should prove decisive. The visitors have won their last three meetings and possess the quality to convert chances if their finishing improves from the Mozambique draw.

Odds to watch

Senegal win is available at 1.34 with Melbet, 1.36 with 1xBet and 22Bet, and 1.40 with Mostbet. The draw trades at 4.65 with Melbet, 4.55 with 1xBet and 22Bet, and 3.99 with Mostbet. An Ethiopia upset is priced at 8.35 with Melbet, 8.05 with 1xBet and 22Bet, and 6.50 with Mostbet.