Ethiopia and Mauritania have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations.

In an abandoned match, Mauritania won and Ethiopia was trailing to secure places in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing the total number of qualifiers to 21 for the 24-team tournament.

After 80 minutes of play in Abidjan, Ethiopia was trailing 3-1 to already-qualified Ivory Coast when the Ghanaian referee collapsed and the visiting team declined to proceed under the fourth official, an Ivorian.

After the original referee from Ghana retired, the Ivorian was called in as a late pre-match substitute, and his compatriot was elevated from fourth official to match referee.

Before being admitted to the hospital, referee Charles Bulu was treated at the national stadium. His condition was unclear at the time.

Madagascar required all three points to pass Ethiopia in Group K, but Niger held the Indian Ocean side to a 0-0 draw in Toamasina.

Willy Boly scored and Franck Kessie converted a penalty to give the Ivorians a two-goal lead in Abidjan.

On 74 minutes, Getaneh Kebede halved the deficit, only for Jean Kouassi to score the Ivory Coast’s third goal almost immediately.

Madagascar, who shockingly reached the quarter-finals of the Cup of Nations when they made their debut two years ago, struck relentlessly but were unable to break down Niger, who had conceded six goals the last time the two sides met.

Mauritania defeated the Central African Republic 1-0 in Bangui, securing the second qualifying spot in Group E behind Morocco, thanks to an Aboubakar Kamara goal in first-half stoppage time.

Abrempong Sports