The draw for the preliminary round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers was conducted today and Ethiopia has learned its opponent.
Before the group stage begins the 12 lowest ranked teams in the FIFA rankings will compete in the preliminary round.
Following the draw the Walias will face São Tomé and Príncipe. The two legged tie will be played between March 25 and 31 with Ethiopia set to play the first leg away from home.
Ethiopia previously faced São Tomé and Príncipe during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers preliminary round in 2015 and advanced with a 3-1 aggregate victory. The Walias were coached at the time by Yohannes Sahle who has now been reappointed as head coach of the national team.
Preliminary Round Fixtures
Djibouti vs South Sudan
Chad vs Burundi
Somalia vs Mauritius
Seychelles vs Lesotho
Eritrea vs Eswatini
São Tomé and Príncipe vs Ethiopia
The winners of these matches will secure a place in the group stage of the 2027 AFCON qualification.
