Monday, July 01, 2013

South Africa get World Cup lifeline as Ethiopia lose points

(July 1, 2013, (Fox News))--South Africa returned Monday to the race for places at the 2014 World Cup after Ethiopia forfeited three points for fielding an ineligible player. A FIFA statement said Botswana, who lost at home to Ethiopia during June, had been awarded a 3-0 win because their opponents fielded suspended midfielder Minyahile Beyene.

The Ethiopian had been yellow carded in two other qualifiers, earning an automatic one-match suspension, and officials of the Walyas Antelopes admitted it was their blunder. Ethiopia still top Group A with 10 points followed by South Africa (8), Botswana (7) and the Central African Republic (3), but are no longer guaranteed to finish first and reach the play-offs.

The three-point deduction from the Ethiopian total brings South Africa,who have competed at three of the last four World Cup tournaments, back into contention, and Botswana. Ethiopia will top the final standings if they win a final mini-league match away to the Central African Republic between September 6-10 at a venue to be decided by FIFA.

A violent regime change in the Central African Republic this year created an unstable security situation, forcing a match with South Afirca last month to be moved from Bangui to Cameroon. However, if Ethiopia draw or lose, South Africa would top the table either on points or goal difference provided they win at home against neighbours Botswana. Read more from Fox News »

Related topics:
Reaction in Addis Ababa after Ethiopia 2-1 South Africa GameEthiopia vs South Africa : 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier - Full Time Game  World Cup: Fifa probe casts Ethiopia progress into doubt (bbc)
Ethiopia beat South Africa 2-1 Heading to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil 
Ethiopia 2-1 South Africa : 2014 World Cup Qualifying - Ethiopian Sport News

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