Ethiopia, kenya win to share top spot

Favourites Ethiopia and Kenya register identical 3-1 wins over Zanzibar and South Sudan on Saturday 30 November to move level on points in Group A of the Cecafa Challenge Cup Championship. Ethiopia dominated the first half with their attacking football as their strikers caused havoc with their pace. According to a report from AFP, Ethiopia’s Yassin Salah went close to giving them the lead after only two minutes but he shot agonisingly over the bar.

Three minutes later skipper Fasika Asfaw made no mistake when he tapped in the ball from close range. The Ethiopians increased their lead in the 37th minute when Salahadin Bargicho, who proved a thorn in Zanzibar’s side, slotted home from the penalty spot after Manaye Fantu was fouled. Bargicho, however, received a second booking and will miss Ethiopia’s next game against South Sudan in Machakos on Tuesday.

Zanzibar pulled one back through captain Awadh Juma in the 68th minute but subtitute Rashid Kebede’s 86th minute strike put the result beyond doubt for the three-time champions, who are tied on four points with Kenya in Group A. Kenya squandered numerous scoring chances against minnows South Sudan, who are virtually out of the tournament having lost their first two matches.

A Jockins Atudo penalty in the 16th minute brought relief to the anxious home crowd, who could only watch with agony three minutes later when the Sudanese drew level from skipper Justin Lado’s free-kick. Kenya’s footballer of the year Jacob Keli restored their lead in 29th minute with a header. Keli, who had an outstanding game, also missed a penalty after he had been fouled by Sudan goalkeeper Derete Alemu, who narrowly escaped being shown a red card for the harsh challenge. Substitute David Owino scored from a solo move in the 77th minute to seal Kenya’s victory.

Confederation of African Football News