FIFA have penalised Ethiopia for fielding an ineligible player in a match against Botswana on SAT 08 JUN 2013. Ethiopia had won the match 2-1, but the match now becomes a 3-0 forfeit loss, meaning that the Antelopes’ place in the CAF playoffs is not yet certain.

Midfielder Minyahile BEYENE was booked in two Group A matches: a 1-1 draw away to South Africa on SUN 03 JUN 2012, and a 1-0 home win over Botswana on SUN 24 MAR 2013. He should therefore have been suspended for the away match against Botswana. Ethiopia have admitted the error and are not appealing.

As a result of the decision, both South Africa and Botswana are still alive in Group A. A win against last placed Central African Rep, though, would still put Ethiopia into the playoffs.