ETHIOPIA COMES FROM GOAL DOWN TO HOLD MALAWI

By Colllins Okinyo in Dar Es Salaam,

Ethiopia came from a goal down to hold Malawi 1-1 in an entertaining early kick off match played at the National Stadium in Dar Es Salaam. In the 27th minute Malawi ‘s Henry Kabichi struck a superb free kick that left Jemal Tasewe in Ethiopia goal flatfooted for the first goal after an infringement by an Ethiopian defender inches off the penalty box.

However Ethiopia did not give up the fight. In the 43rd minute Omod Okwory Omod equalized for Ethiopia with a thrilling goal after volleying in from 30 yards. The malawian goalkeeper could not handle shemeless shot. He punched the ball back into the field of play and Okwony did what was expected of him when the ball came his direction.

Earlier in the first half exciting and instrumental Ethiopian demunitive midfield supremo Shemeles Godo’s goal as early as the 5th minute was ruled off for an offside by referee Ramadhan Ibada from Zanzibar.

In the 21st minute Malawi danger man Victor Nyirenda who has 2 goals to his name combined well with Henry Kibichi but Nyirenda’s subsequent shot hit the side netting. Malawi continued their forage upfront and in the 40th minute Pirira Makupe well struck free kick inside the Ethiopia box hit the post.

In the second half Victor Nyirenda was guilty of wasting a clear chance after dashing past a defender and with only keeper Jemal to beat in Ethiopia’s goal he fluffed the golden chance by shooting meekly directly to the keeper who had an easy time picking the ball.