Cape Verde’s return to Africa’s major football fiesta was met with great cheer as the Blue Sharks narrowly sailed past Ethiopia.

The two sides were making a return to the AFCON for the first time in a long while.

For Ethiopia, it wasn’t the sort of return they would have wished for as they were reduced to 10 men after just 12 minutes.

Defender Yared Bareh was giving his marching orders after denying a goal scoring opportunity while being the last man.

The game then swung into the favour of Cape Verde as they made their man advantage count.

After consistent pressure on the Ethiopian goal area, Julio Tavares finally found the back of the net on the stroke of half-time connecting with Rodrigues cutback.

Ethiopia came back from the recess with a renewed energy as they sought for an equaliser.

Their efforts would however prove futile as Cape Verde remained resolute at the back and saw out the game with their narrow advantage.

Cape Verde next face Burkina Faso whiles Ethiopia come up against hosts, Cameroon.