South Sudan and Malawi started their 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup campaign with a win over Djibouti and Sudan in Bahirdar National Stadium.
South Sudan and FIFA’s lowest ranked national team at the moment Djibouti involved in the early kickoff of the day with the former managing to win 2-0. The Bright Futures dominated the first 25 minutes in the middle of the park without finding a goal. In the 22nd minute Bruno Martinez struck home from close range with a header to give South Sudan the lead.
In the second half, South Sudan yet again were in firm control as they kept their pressure on minnows Djibouti. Adul Lako saw his goal bound free kick parried away by Djibouti custodian Ibrahim Omar. Omar was beaten minutes after his fantastic save as Dominic Abui Pretino slots home with a fine volley. Djibouti failed to pull one back when Mohamed Tahir rounded goalie Juma Jinaro but his curl from a tight angel went wide.
In the other game, Sudan were humbled by Malawi 2-1. Flames started brightly as they managed to get an early goal in the 13th minute through Dalitso Sailesi’s wonderful towering header. Atahir El-Tahir Babikir leveled matters for Sudan when his low drive shot finds the net. Chiukepo Mosowoya settled matters in the 29th minute through an astounding volley inside the box.
Malawi opted for a defensive tactic in the second half whilst Sudan through everything to score the leveler. The match official rewarded Sudan a penalty 4 minutes from time. Veteran striker Mohamed Tahir Osman missed the spot kick as keeper Simplex Nthala pulled off a superb save to deny Tahir.
The win gave South Sudan the top spot in Group C followed by Malawi. Hawassa Stadium will host the first ever national team games on Tuesday as Rwanda battle it out against Tanzania in Group A and Zanzibar hosts Uganda in Group B.
