Ethiopia Lose Narrowly to Fancied Algeria
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Africa’s standout team at the Fifa World Cup finals, Algeria, continued their dominance with a fine 2-1 win away in Ethiopia in their Africa Nations Cup Group E Qualifier however the win did not come easy as they huffed and puffed with Ethiopia Walia Ibex firing from All cylinders.
Algeria got the best out of their trip to Addis-Ababa, with a star studded team that failed to impress and justify their great World Cup performance only saved by keeper Rais Mbolhi who kept marauding Salhadin Said ,Umed Ukwury at bay saving Algeria.
The Ethiopians dominated the encounter in the first half with a very strong physical presence, and Salhadin Said went close to give the locals the lead in the 23rd and 27th minutes.
But it was against the run of play that the Fennec Foxes opened the score in the 35th minute by Soudani (assist by Yacine Brahimi) whose cross was deflected by an Ethiopian defender into his own net.
The match was more balanced in the second half, while Algeria’s keeper Rais M’Bolhi had to still make a few important saves to keep his team ahead.
The Algerians were then able to extend their lead, finding the back of the net through Yacine Brahimi in the 84th minute following an excellent solo effort by Mahrez on the left wing.
Ethiopia managed to reduce the score line in referee’s optional time when Said netted from the penalty spot. But it was too little too late for the locals as new Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff got off to a great start.
Algeria are now due to host Mali on Wednesday while Malawi are at home to Ethiopia.
Source: soka25east.com
