A late penalty converted by Eisa gave Sudan a 1-0 win over Ethiopia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at Juba National Stadium on Friday.
The Falcons of Jediane are playing their home matches in South Sudan’s capital because of the ongoing civil war in Sudan.
The hosts had the better opportunities in a tightly contested first half.
Ammar Taifour fired wide from distance, while Ethiopia came close to taking the lead before the break when Birhanu Bekele’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Sudanese defenders inside the box.
Sudan increased the pressure after the restart as Ethiopia adopted a more defensive approach and looked to threaten on the counter.
Mohamed Mamoun nearly broke the deadlock with a free-kick that went narrowly over the bar.
Ethiopia goalkeeper Abubeker Nura was forced into action in the 50th minute, making a save to deny Sheddy Ezeldin.
The visitors then came close to scoring in the 77th minute, but Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa produced a brilliant double save to keep out efforts from Chernet Gugesa and Carlos Damtew.
Sudan finally found the breakthrough five minutes before the end when they were awarded a penalty. Eisa calmly converted the spot-kick to seal three points for the hosts.
The victory puts Sudan top of Group J with three points.
They will travel to face Mozambique in their next fixture, while Ethiopia will host Senegal in Bahir Dar.
