Ibrahim Mbaye scored the decisive goal in the first half to give the Teranga Lions all three points at Bahir Dar National Stadium.
The win also marked Patrick Vieira’s first victory as Senegal head coach, following a 1–1 draw against Mozambique in his first qualifying match.
Mbaye makes the difference
Senegal took the lead in the 10th minute when Mbaye found the net after being set up by his Aston Villa team-mate Nicolas Jackson.
The visitors looked to build on their early advantage, but Ethiopia remained competitive and created opportunities of their own.
Goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf was called into action in the 57th minute, producing an important save to deny Kenean Markneh from close range and preserve Senegal’s lead.
Ethiopia continued to search for an equaliser, but Senegal held firm to secure a valuable away victory.
Match details
• Ethiopia: 0
• Senegal: 1 — Ibrahim Mbaye 10'
Senegal move up in Group J
The victory gives Senegal four points from their opening two matches in Group J, following their draw against Mozambique.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, remain without a point after suffering their second consecutive defeat, having lost 1–0 to Sudan in their opening fixture.
The result provides Senegal with momentum under Vieira as they continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.