Ethiopia 1-0 Guinea Bissau Player Ratings: Ramkel James Rated 8.5/10 as His Goal Seals Narrow 1-0 Victory

Ethiopia emerged victorious over Guinea-Bissau with a slender 1-0 scoreline, a result they fought tooth and nail to protect. From our perspective, this was a game of attrition, not aesthetics. The decisive blow came in the 27th minute. Ramkel James found himself in the right place at the right time, converting from inside the box to send the home crowd into a frenzy. It was a well-taken goal that ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides. What stood out to us was how Ethiopia immediately shifted their mindset to defend the lead.

For the remainder of the game, Guinea-Bissau huffed and puffed but couldn't blow the house down. They controlled possession for spells but lacked the creative spark to unlock a resolute Ethiopian defense. The match became increasingly physical, with several yellow cards brandished as frustrations grew. It was a classic case of a team executing a game plan to perfection after getting their noses in front.

Here are the Ethiopia Vs Guinea Bissau Player Ratings

Ethiopia Player Ratings vs Guinea Bissau

Here are Ethiopia Player Ratings vs Guinea Bissau

Goalkeeper

Firew Getahun - 7.0: A solid performance from the keeper who commanded his area well. He wasn't tested with world-class saves but did everything required of him to secure the clean sheet. His distribution was decent, though he picked up a late yellow card for time-wasting. A composed display under pressure.

Defenders

Ramkel James - 8.5: Unquestionably the man of the match. He was a rock at the back, making crucial interceptions and clearances. To top it all off, he scored the winning goal with a striker's instinct. From our perspective, his contribution was immense at both ends of the pitch, a truly complete performance and the highest-rated player on the pitch.

Kebede - 7.0: This defender put in a very solid shift as part of a backline that refused to break. He was strong in the tackle and positioned himself well to head away danger. A disciplined and effective performance that was key to the clean sheet.

Ahmed Reshid - 7.0: Worked tirelessly alongside his defensive partners. He kept his winger quiet for most of the game and showed good positional awareness. Didn't offer much going forward but his defensive solidity was exactly what was needed. A really commendable effort.

Yusuf - 7.0: Another key component of the impenetrable Ethiopian wall. He was composed on the ball when he had to be and never shirked a challenge. His communication with the rest of the backline was evident. We noticed he was particularly good in one-on-one situations.

Midfielders

Sherifa - 6.5: The captain led by example with a hard-working performance in the engine room. He broke up play effectively and tried to link defense with attack. His passing was sometimes a bit safe, but his defensive contribution was vital in protecting the lead.

Biniam Ayten - 6.5: A busy performance before he was substituted around the hour mark. He covered a lot of ground and helped his team win the midfield battle in the first half. Seemed to tire as the game went on, but his energy was important early on.

Bereket Waza - 6.5: Similar to his midfield partners, put in a real shift for the team. He was combative and never gave Guinea-Bissau's midfielders a moment's peace. His work rate was impressive, though his influence on the ball was limited. Sacrificed for fresh legs later on.

Forwards

Bereket Desta - 6.0: Ran the channels and pressed from the front, but didn't get a clear sight of goal. His movement created some space for others. It was a selfless performance, but one that lacked a cutting edge in the final third. He was eventually substituted.

Chernet Gugsa - 6.0: He was full of running but, like his fellow attackers, was left frustrated. He tried to make things happen but was often isolated against a determined defense. Couldn't quite find the final pass or shot to make a difference.

Wogene Gezahegn - 6.0: Worked hard off the ball but struggled to get involved in dangerous areas. His hold-up play was decent at times, but he never really threatened the Guinea-Bissau goal. A frustrating evening for the forward line.

Substitutes

Ahmed Hussien - 6.0: Came on to add fresh legs to the midfield and did his job diligently. Helped to see out the game without any fuss.

Yetagesu Tariku - 5.5: Injected some energy but also some recklessness, picking up a yellow card shortly after coming on. He ran hard but his decision-making was questionable.

Kitika Jima - N/A: Came on late in the game with too little time to make a significant impact.

Manager

M. Teferi Kassa - 7.5: His game plan worked to perfection. Get a goal, then defend resolutely. His team was organized, disciplined, and fought for every ball. The substitutions were logical to manage the game and secure the three points. A tactical victory for the Ethiopian coach.

Guinea Bissau Player Ratings vs Ethiopia

Here are Guinea Bissau Player Ratings vs Ethiopia

Goalkeeper

Manuel Baldé - 6.0: Couldn't do much about the goal, which was a well-taken finish from close range. He had very little else to do for the rest of the match. It's harsh to be on the losing side when you've been a spectator for large parts of the game.

Defenders

Fali Candé - 6.0: A decent performance overall, but part of a defense that was breached for the decisive goal. He was solid for the most part but his unit switched off for one crucial moment. Tried to support the attack but to no avail.

Nanu - 5.5: Looked okay defensively but offered very little going forward from his defensive position. He was steady but unspectacular, and his team needed more inspiration. A performance that was just... there.

Unknown Player - 6.0: Similar to his defensive colleagues, he had a relatively quiet game aside from the goal. He was caught out of position for the goal but recovered to have a steady game. It's that one lapse in concentration that costs his team.

Midfielders

Panutche Camara - 5.5: Struggled to impose himself on the game. He was expected to be the creative force, but he was often crowded out and his passes didn't find their mark. Was substituted in the second half, which summed up his ineffective evening.

Marciano Sanca - 5.5: Another midfielder who had a quiet game. He worked hard but lacked the quality to unlock the Ethiopian defense. From our perspective, he seemed to run out of ideas as the match wore on. Replaced in the second half.

Mauro Rodrigues - 6.0: Probably the most energetic of the starting midfielders. He tried to drive his team forward and wasn't afraid to put a tackle in. However, his final product was lacking and he couldn't create any clear-cut chances for his forwards.

Renato Sam Na Nhaga - 5.5: A very anonymous performance. He was on the periphery of the game for long periods and failed to make any telling impact. You almost forgot he was on the pitch at times. A day to forget for him.

Sori Mané - 6.0: The captain tried to rally his troops but it wasn't enough. He was tidy in possession but played it too safe, rarely attempting a forward pass that would risk losing the ball. A leader needs to show more ambition in these situations.

Forwards

Beto - 5.0: A really poor performance from the forward. He offered no goal threat and his main contribution was getting a yellow card for a clumsy foul. He looked off the pace and frustrated, failing to link up with his teammates. A contender for the worst performer.

Elves Baldé - 5.5: He was isolated up front and got very little service. When he did get the ball, he failed to hold it up or create anything of note. Was substituted as his manager looked for a different approach, which was no surprise.

Substitutes

Marculino Ninte - 6.0: Brought on to offer something different but failed to change the course of the game.

Tamble Monteiro - 6.0: Had a bit more energy than the man he replaced but ultimately couldn't find a way through the Ethiopian defense.

Dálcio - 6.0: Added some physical presence but couldn't provide the spark of creativity his team desperately needed.

Jefferson Encada - N/A: Introduced too late to have any real influence on the proceedings.

Manager

Emiliano Té - 5.0: His team looked bereft of ideas in the final third. While they were solid enough defensively for most of the game, they offered next to nothing in attack. His substitutions failed to make an impact, and he will be deeply disappointed with his team's inability to create chances.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is James