Nigeria held Ethiopia to a 2-2 draw on Sunday in the fourth round of the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification to join Group B leaders Guinea on seven points.
New coach Samson Siasia and his men stormed Addis Ababa with hope of securing a vital win to overtake the West African side but the Ethiopians, who suffered a 4-0 drubbing against the Super Eagles in the reverse fixture, were determined to make the most of home advantage and put the visitors under severe pressure in the opening exchanges.
Despite the early barrage, Real Zaragoza striker Ikechukwu Uche soon broke the deadlock after exploiting space left behind by on-rushing Ethiopians, and put the visitors in the lead at minute 26.
The hosts refused to lie down, however, and imposed themselves on the game. Former St. George player Saladin Seid cancelled out Nigeria’s lead near the 41st minute and doubled it soon after to put Ethiopia ahead.
The second half dragged on for the home side, who were hoping to secure a victory that would have shocked the continent. They were to be denied though as Fenerbahçe centre back Joseph Yobo drew level four minutes from full time to spare his team embarassment and crush the hopes of the impressive Ethiopians.
Nigeria now top Group B with seven points with slightly better goal difference than that of Guinea, who face Madagascar tonight.
Source: Goal.com
