Ethiopia remained in control of Group A with a deserved 2-1 win away to Botswana in a 2014 World Cup qualifier on Saturday afternoon.

The result saw the Zebras bundled out of qualifying, and with South Africa having beaten the Central African Republic, Ethiopia needed a result to stay top of the group.

The game got off to a slow start but the visitors would go on to take the lead in the 33rd minute when Getaneh Kebede fired in his second goal in as many matches.

Ethiopia were in control and just before the break they would double their advantage when Saladin Said found the back of the net.

The visitors were flowing with confidence but Botswana were not about to roll over and they put on a determined display in the second period.

Their pressure would pay off when substitute Tebogo Sembowa pulled a goal back with 16 minutes to go, which made things tense for the visitors.

The Zebras poured forward in search of an equaliser but Ethiopia managed to hold out to claim all three points.

All eyes will now shift to Ethiopia's showdown with South Africa next week.