Better known as a powerhouse of world athletics, Ethiopia were briefly at the top of the football world when they won the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 1962.
As one of the Africa Cup of Nations founding members, Ethiopia took part in the maiden two editions (1957 and 1959) in Sudan and Egypt respectively, before hosting the third edition in 1962.
‘The Walias’ – as the Ethiopian team – are known emerged victorious at home to win their title in the history of the showpiece African football tournament.
With four teams taking part, the tournament was played in a knockout format. Ethiopia came from two goals down to score four and defeat Tunisia 4-2 in the semifinals, and set a date against holders Egypt in the final.
Girma Tekle and Luciano Vassalo scored as the Walias came back from behind twice, for the game to go to extra-time with the scores tied at 2-2.
Italo Vassalo (Luciano’s brother) and Mengistu Worku scored as Ethiopia grabbed an infamous 4-2 victory to lift the trophy in front of their jubilant fans in Addis Ababa.
Nearly 50 years later, most Ethiopian football fans will not remember the glory days of the country as they are now ranked 146th in the world and 41st in Africa. And it will be during times of reflection like now with all world sport halted due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, that it will be worth remembering the achievements of the golden generation of Ethiopian football.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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