Ethiopia’s Walia Ibex outclassed Kenya’s Harambee Stars 2-0 in a Chan 2016 qualifier played in front of 60,000 fans at the Bahir Dar Stadium on Sunday.
It means that to advance, Kenya must win the return leg by three clear goals to advance to the next round.
The hosts went ahead in the 25th minute when youngster Aschalew Girma pounced on a pass before beating the advancing Harambee Stars keeper Bonface Oluoch and set off wild celebrations in the stands.
The goal was the first for the highly talented Girma who can play both as a wing back and attacker.
Michael Olunga could have put Kenya ahead earlier on but his beautifully taken shot was cleared on the goalline by goal scorer Girma will keeper Tarik Getnet well beaten.
Ethiopia resumed their attacking endeavours in the second half with midfielders Bernard Mangoli and Collins Okoth working hard to keep them at bay.
Walia got their second goal in the 77th minute when Biniam Assefa was brought down inside the box and new kid on the block Gatoch Panom stepped up to majestically score from 12 yards.
Almost immediately Kenya got a penalty of their own but keeper Getnet was the hero for Walia saving Kevin Kimani’s attempt to deny the visitors a crucial away goal.
Kenya’s coach Bobby Williamson rung changes bringing on Victor Ali Abondo and Jesse Were for Noah Wafula and Kevin Kimani respectively but they could not find a way back into the game.
The win was the second successive for Ethiopia coach Yohannes Sahle whose charges also beat Lesotho 2-1 at the same stadium last week in an Afcon 2017 qualifier.
Ethiopia X1 v Kenya
Tarik Getinet (GK), Siyoum Tesfaye, Aschalew Tamene, Saladin Bergecho, Takalign Dejene, Bahailu Asefa, Gatoch Panom, Mintesinot Adane, Aschalewu Grima, Ramkilo Lok,Biniyam Asefa.
Kenya X1 v Ethiopia
Bonface Oluoch (GK), Jackson Saleh, Edwin Wafula, Aboud Omar, Lloyd Wahome, Collins “Gattuso” Okoth (Cpt), Benard Mang’oli, Humphrey Mieno, Kevin Kimani, Noah Wafula and Michael “Midusa” Olunga.
Subs: Boniface Oluoch, Brian Birgen, Charles Odette, Eric Johana, Ali Abondo, Timonah Wanyonyi, Jesse Were and Stephen Wakanya.
Additional reporting by Supersport.com
