Another clean sheet? Preview and prediction for Ethiopia vs Malawi - 09.06.2026
One of the international friendlies during this window will take place on Tuesday in Dire Dawa, where Ethiopia will once again face Malawi. Just a few days ago, these teams already clashed, with Ethiopia narrowly claiming victory. This upcoming encounter promises to test Malawi's ability to learn from their recent defeat.
- See also: Who will remember how to score first? Prediction for Maldives vs Bangladesh U23 - 07.06.2026
Ethiopia riding a winning wave
The Ethiopian national team heads into this match in high spirits: in 2026, they've won all three of their games and have yet to concede a single goal. First, they comfortably dispatched São Tomé and Príncipe twice - 3-0 and 1-0 - before edging Malawi 1-0.
Johannes Sahle's side looks especially solid in matches that require patience and low-risk football. The 5-3-2 formation gives Ethiopia density in the middle and reliability around their own box, while up front, the team knows how to bide its time and seize the decisive moment.
Malawi stuck in a scoring drought
Malawi enter their second head-to-head against Ethiopia with a clear problem in attack. The team hasn't scored in three consecutive games, including recent 1-0 defeats to both Botswana and Ethiopia.
Callisto Pasuwa has a functional 4-4-2 structure, but so far it hasn't translated into enough clear-cut chances. Malawi can hold onto possession and progress down the flanks, but in the final third they lack sharpness, a precise final ball, and composure in front of goal.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Ethiopia have won all three matches in 2026, keeping a clean sheet every time.
- The first meeting between these sides in the June international window ended with a 1-0 win for Ethiopia.
- Malawi haven't scored in three straight matches, including defeats to Botswana and Ethiopia.
Prediction
Ethiopia look like the more organized and cohesive team: they boast defensive discipline, a winning streak, and a fresh head-to-head victory over this very opponent. Malawi, on the other hand, still can't find answers up front, and without goals, even a friendly rematch looks like a tall order. Expect a cagey match with few clear chances. Ethiopia can once again play pragmatically, cede some territory, and patiently wait for their moment. The main prediction is an Ethiopia win; an additional option is under 2.5 total goals.
