Ethiopia Back in AFCON but Fined for Fan Behavior

Ethiopia is back in the Africa Cup of Nations after a 31 year absence. But the conduct of its fans has left the national team with a half suspended 10,000 dollar fine.

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4 months ago

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SCRIPT: For the first time in 31 years, Ethiopia is in the running for the Africa Cup of Nations. The country's football fans came in their thousands to watch their team's opening match, which ended in a one all draw with reigning champions Zambia. SOUNDBITE 1: Voxpop (man), Ethiopia supporter (English, 4 sec) "This is the Ethiopian time, this is the Ethiopian time, I'm telling you." SOUNDBITE 1: Voxpop (man), Ethiopia supporter (English, 6 sec) "I love Ethiopia, we're going to win it, I know. I love you, Ethiopia!" The hoards of fans are certainly a boost for the Ethiopian team. But they've also cost it a 10,000 dollar penalty, for hurling vuvuzelas on to the pitch after their goalkeeper was sent off for a foul. Emotions are running high. Ethiopia hasn't qualified since 1982, despite being one of the nations which founded the African Football Confederation. Yet its coach insists the country's past performance puts less pressure on the team, not more. SOUNDBITE 1: Sewnet Bishaw (man), Ethiopian coach (English, 16 sec) "We don't have anything to lose here. If we lose, well, we gain experience and go home. But if we play very nice football, if we compete, then why not we go up to the end, up to the cup final." Organisers of this year's Cup of Nations have warned Ethiopia that if its supporters don't behave, they could be barred from future matches. That would be a cruel irony for these fans, who've kept away for three decades. SHOTLIST NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 21 JANUARY 2013, SOURCE: AFPTV - Ethiopia fans jumping in celebration - Fan blowing vuvuzela, child on shoulders - Fan beating drum - Fans walking through gate - Fan being directed by AFCON steward - Fans walking through gate - SOUNDBITE 1: Voxpop (man), Ethiopia supporter - SOUNDBITE 1: Voxpop (man), Ethiopia supporter NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 22 JANUARY 2013, SOURCE: AFPTV - Ethiopian football team running around pitch (x2) - CU goalkeeper Jemal Tassew catching ball - Wide goalkeeper Tassew training - Striker Adane Girma training - Wide football team training (x2) - Coach Sewnet Bishaw watching players - CU feet kicking ball - SOUNDBITE 1: Sewnet Bishaw (man), Ethiopian coach NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 21 JANUARY 2013, SOURCE: AFPTV - VAR Ethiopia fans celebrating after the match