Ethiopia started their campaign in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group-stage qualifiers with a loss to Malawi on Sunday.
While Group D began the qualifying camping on Sunday, some teams have already played two 2023 group-stage qualifying matches.
In the group’s opener played in Lilongwe’s Bingu National Stadium, the hosts managed to hold on to a 2-1 win advantage over visiting Ethiopia.
Orlando Pirates striker, Gabadinho Mhango, scored a brace from the spot-kick in the first half which helped his team secure the maximum points.
Ethiopian Coffee striker Abubeker Nasir scored the only goal from the spot for the Walias in the 68th minute.
Malawi now lead Group D with three points followed by Egypt which won Guinea in Cairo same day.
Guinea were looking set to guard a draw away from home, but Egypt’s Mostafa Mohamed Mohamed snatched the three points with a slim 1-0 victory at the Cairo International Stadium.
The win takes Egypt second in Group D with three points, same as Malawi who earlier on started their campaign with a 2-1 victory at home over Ethiopia.
MG/abj/APA