It appeared to be mission accomplished for Zimbabwe on the road when the Warriors had Ethiopia held after ninety minutes on the road in FIFA World Cup qualifying, but the Walias earned a late penalty kick and converted to obtain an important three points. Saint George player Aschalew Tamene kept his composure to fire Ethiopia into second place in a Group G that continues to intrigue and become more tightly contested. Zimbabwe slip to last place in the group but are still within shouting distance of South Africa at the top.
Ethiopia were the dominant team throughout the match but encountered some pockets of resistance from the visitors. After an 8th minute opportunity for the hosts saw Amanuel Gebremichael fire over the bar, thirteen minutes later Knowledge Musona got behind the Ethiopian defense for two shot attempts on goal. Musona’s first effort was saved right back to him before he put the follow up wide to squander a massive chance for the visitors.
The teams went into halftime scoreless and Ethiopia stepped up their efforts to find the opener. Left back Ramadan Yesuf got free down the left wing and put in a low cross that eventually fell for Abubeker Ahmed, whose first shot was brilliantly saved from close range by Zimbabwe keeper Talbert Shumba before Ahmed fluffed the rebound into the air for Shumba to collect. Zimbabwe nearly caught Ethiopia by breaking out in transition again in the 67th minute, with Khama Billiat providing nifty footwork and an accurate cross but Musona’s header was kept out by Ethiopia goalie Fasil Gebremichael.
The Walias pushed and pushed, finally getting their golden opportunity when Abubeker Nassir took a cross down and attempted to shift past Alec Mudimu, his flick going off the arm of the Zimbabwe center back. The referee blew for a penalty kick and after a long period of protest, Tamene side footed his spot kick past Shumba to push Ethiopia into a lead they would not relinquish.
Highlights of the match are in the link below.
