Ethiopia defeated Egypt 2-1 on Sunday in Dire Dawa to complete a double over the latter and advance to the third round of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 5-2 on aggregate.
In a game that the host had the last laugh, it was the Egyptians who piled pressure from the onset. However, it was the homers who came close to broke the deadlock after Chala Teshitafired wide from an acute position in the second minute.
The Young Pharaohs responded with a well taken corner that saw unmarked Amir Mohammed heading off target.
The Red Foxes ultimately took the lead on 11 minutes through Nessro, who finished off coolly after being put through from the left. Matters turned sour for the visitors five minutes later when Nessro doubled the lead with a clinical finish from close range to put Ethiopia 2-0 up.
Goalkeeper Ogna Omugna denied a great shot from Egyptian Hazim Fargali deep in to the second half as the visitors pushed for a consolation. Fargali finally got it four minutes from time with a powerful free kick to pull one back.
Ethiopia coach Atenafu Alemu was on cloud nine following his team’s qualification to the final round, where they are due to face Mali for a place at next year’s tournament in Madagascar.
“My players were over excited. There was an immense external pressure on them. No wonder they couldn’t play a more attractive football in the first half since it was only their second international outing.
“Our opponents only had a slim chance to go through to the next stage since we were in better position before the game. We played well and I am very satisfied with the score line,” Alem told CAFOnline.com.
Seven teams will emerge from the qualifiers to join hosts Madagascar for the final tournament scheduled from 2-16 April 2017. Read more here
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