Hosts Ethiopia were in action today against Somalia in a packed Hawassa Stadium. Walias cruise past the Ocean Stars 2-0 courtesy of goals from Mohammed Nasser and Behailu Girma in each half. Mohammed Nasser headed home from close range to open the score in the 14th minute. It is Mohammed’s first ever international goal in national team color.
An inspired Somalian side fought hard to keep Ethiopia from scoring more with their great defensive strategy. Ethiopia tried to extend their lead through Ramkel Lok, Elias Mamo and Biniam Belay, in which their effort nullified. The Ocean Stars barely troubled the hosts in the first half.
Behailu Girma notched the second goal from a corner in the 82nd minute to register his first goal for the Walias. The win lifted Ethiopia into second place bettering Rwanda in a superior goal difference. Meanwhile, Somalia crashed out of the DSTV CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.
In the earlier fixture, Kenya came from behind to get a crucial draw against Burundi. In a game that ended in one all draw Burundi raced into a 11th minute lead through Amissi Tambwe clinical finish inside the the box.
Micheal Olunga struck his second goal of the tourney four minutes from time to level matters after collecting a pass from Jacob Keli. Kenya tops Group B with 4 points followed by Burundi, who have the same points but inferior in goal difference.
