Sao Tome and Principe vs Ethiopia prediction 27.03.2026 | Africa Cup of Nations Qualification

São Tomé and Príncipe return to action after bringing a largely miserable World Cup qualifying campaign to a close with a shock 1-0 win against Malawi. Ronaldo Lumungo’s second-half penalty secured a first victory in ten matches for Ricardo Monsanto’s side.

Prior to that result, São Tomé had conceded 26 goals while losing each of their previous nine fixtures since November 2023. Defensive frailties proved costly throughout the campaign as Sao Tome finished bottom of CAF Group H. 

A lack of cutting edge in the final third has also been a major issue for the Central African nation. The Falcons and True Parrots failed to score in ten of their last 15 internationals, managing just five goals across that three-year period.

Head coach Monsanto has an inexperienced squad available this week. None of the 21 selected players have more than 25 international appearances. 

Portuguese-based winger Ronaldo Lumungo is likely to feature in the hosts forward line this week. 

Ethiopia makes the trip to São Tomé and Príncipe looking to build on a respectable showing in last year’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Walia Ibex finished fifth in CAF Group A, collecting nine points from ten matches.

Now led by Yohannes Sahle, Ethiopia conceded just 14 goals during the campaign. However, with only nine goals scored, they lacked the attacking edge required to mount a serious push for qualification.

Head coach Sahle has a 21-man squad available this week. Twenty-six-year-old forward Cherinet Gugsa is expected to win his 30th international cap on Wednesday.