Ethiopia and Sudan will go toe-to-toe in a Central East Zone Third Round 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) first-leg qualifier at the Hawassa International Stadium in Awasa on Sunday in what has been billed battle of the titans in a game to kick off at 15:00 CAT.

Both sides  booked their place in the final round of qualifying with respective wins over Djibouti and Burundi and will now set their sights on sealing a ticket to next year’s showpiece in Kenya in what is expected to be an exciting match with thousands of fans expected to watch the game.

Ethiopia have in their history qualified for two CHAN tournaments, bowing out of the competition at the group stages on both occasions.

Sudan’s only showing at the tournament came on home soil in 2011, with the Falcons of Jediane claiming the bronze medal.

In head-to-head stats, Sudan hold a slight edge over the Walia Ibex with 13 wins in 29 previous meetings compared to 10 for their opponents.

Ethiopia, though, are ranked a whopping 32 places above Sudan in the latest FIFA World Rankings.

The reverse fixture will take place in a week’s time.