Ethiopia and Togo fielded suspended stars in 2014 World Cup qualifiers during June, according to FIFA match records of the competition. Midfielder Manyahile Beyene played for Ethiopia in Botswana instead of serving a one-match ban having been cautioned in Group A games away to South Africa and at home against Botswana. National football federation president Sehelew Gebremariam admitted to AFP Tuesday that Ethiopia had blundered by fielding Beyene in the away game against Botswana.
"We accept the allegation, it is a mistake by our side, shocking news to us," he said in Addis Ababa. But even if they are docked three points by FIFA, Ethiopia will lead South Africa by two points and Botswana by three with an away fixture against the Central African Republic to come. "(The) players have got the commitment, the spirit (and) the inspiration. The coach also has inspiration. Nobody is frustrated, we still see hope," added Gebremariam.