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

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com