FT Ethiopia 2-0 Somalia

Mohammed Nasser made history as the first Ethiopian to score an international goal at the newly constructed Awassa International Stadium in Walia Ibex’s 2-0 win over the Ocean Stars of Somalia in the ongoing tourney on Wednesday 25.

The much needed win revives the hopes of the home side of reaching the quarterfinals after stumbling in the their opening match against Rwanda last weekend – going down 1-0 in Addis.

Nasser jumped high to head home Eliyas Mamo well executed free kick from the left in the 14th minute to send the fully packed 60,000 seater capacity stadium into a frenzy.

The proceedings thereafter was in favor of Ethiopia who were frustratingly wasteful in front of goal as they failed to convert chance after another. Mamo should have put his name on the score sheet almost immediately after assisting Nasser goal but his strike sailed over the bar.

Ramkel Lock squandered countless scoring opportunities with his poor final touch as the crowd begged for more goals.

Somalia did not venture forward even after conceding as they fought to keep the scoreline respectable – a strategy they continued with into the second half managing to frustrate the Ethiopians.

Coach Yohannes Saleh pulled out the goal scorer for midfielder Panom Gatosh with almost an immediate impact as his combination with Ramkel Lock proved a handful for Somalian defense.

Behailu Girma scored the second goal in the 84th minute from another set piece heading in a corner kick. Ethiopia are tied with Rwanda on three points a piece in group “A” – they play Tanzania in their last group fixture on Saturday.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com