Egyptian side Misr El-Makasa stunned Mekelakeya on their maiden CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round game played out in Addis Ababa Stadium. Mekelakeya are now in plight after their shock 3-1 home loss.
The visitors were quick to settle to game as they struck early through Hussien Ragab. Ragab capitalizes on Mekelakeya’s defensive woes to open the scoring. It only took Makasa 11 minutes to strengthen their lead. This time Amr Barakat slotted home from close range.
Mekelakeya came out stronger after the interval but created handful of chances. Former Al Ahly striker El Sayed Hamdi took the game beyond the Army side’s reach as he unleashed a superb shot that go past the hapless Mekelakeya custodian Yidnekachew Kidane four minutes from time. Second half substitute Mohammed Nasser reduced the deficit three minutes later.
Mekelakeya coach Gebremedhin Haile stated the visitors need to receive plaudits. “In veracity, they are a good side. I couldn’t identify there weak links. The game was very dreadful. We knew they are strong but we never thought they would score goal this early. We tried to change the score in the second half. However, it was a bit out of our reach,” said Haile.
Misr El-Makasa coach Ehab Galal expressed his delight on the win. “For me it is a good result. This particular game was our first ever continental game and we beat a good Mekelakeya side. The altitude and lapse in concentration made us to defend in the second half. They put us on pressure in the second half and it was a tough game.”
Both sides will meet in Cairo in the return leg in fortnight. Ethiopia flag bearers Mekelakeya will face an uphill task in Cairo to reverse the score in order for them to qualify for the round of 32.
