Julio Tavares’ goal in the first half was enough to earned Cape Verde a 1-0 win over Ethiopia in the second Group A game of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

Both teams began the game like a house on fire as they kept their goalkeepers busy with attacks upon attacks.

However, in the 12th minute, Ethiopia were reduced to 10-men after Yared Baye was issued a red card for a foul play on a Cape Verde player.

Cape Verde eventually took the lead in the 45th minute through a brilliant header from Julio Tavares to the delight of his coach.

The Blue Sharks could have extended their lead in the 49th minute but Kenny Rocha Santos’ low drive shot failed to threatened the Ethiopia’s goalkeeper, Teklemariam Shanko.

Cape Verde’s Stopira almost netted the second goal in the 89th minute, however, his effort failed to hit the target.

All efforts for Ethiopia to level score proved abortive as the Blue Sharks defended well to earned the maximum points.