Harambee Stars held by Ethiopia but AFCON dream more than alive

Harambee Stars played to a goalless against Ethiopia in an  African Cup of Nations qualifier clash staged at the Bahir Dar Stadium, Ethiopia on Wednesday 10th October to edge closer to AFCON.

Harambee Stars started off by soaking pressure from their opponents and hit them on counters. Olunga Michael was the first to test the Ethiopia keeper before Kastro Amaye tested Kenya keeper at the other end.

Olunga send the ball past Ethiopian keeper but the goal was ruled out after he was adjudged to be offside.  In the final half Harambee, Stars boss introduced midfielder Ismael Gonzalez for Eric Johanna. Aboud Omar paved way for Eric Ouma.

Bekele Godo brought down a long pass with a deft touch but he could do justice to his control as his effort beat Matasi in goal but found the upright in the 66th minute. Ethiopia were on the ascendancy after the hour mark and missed two good chances to grab the lead.

Sebastien Migne exhausted his substitutions in the 73rd minute when he introduced Paul Were for the exasperated Francis Kahata. Ethiopia were creating chance after chance in the final 15 minutes and had the ball at the back of the net when Dawa Hotessa tapped in from close range but the linesman flag was up. Harambee Stars withered the late storm by Ethiopia to settle for a draw and have all to do on Sunday 14th October when Ethiopia travel to Kenya for the return match.

Harambee Stars Starting XI: Patrick Matasi (GK), Philemon Otieno, Musa Mohammed, Brian Mandela, Abud Omar (Eric Ouma), Victor Wanyama (Cpt), Dennis Odhiambo, Francis Kahata (Paul Were), Eric Johanna (Ismail Gonzalez), Ochieng Ovella, Michael  Olunga.

Subs: Farouk Shikhalo (GK), Piston Mutamba, Johanna Omollo, David Ochieng.

Ethiopia Starting XI: Samson Asefa (GK), Abdulkerim Adem, Ahmed Reshad, Anteneh Tesfaye, Aschalew Tamene, Beneyam Demte, Dukele Hotessa, Kadebe Gibeto, Mesfen Bolado, Bekele Godo, Gathuoch Panom.

Subs: Merid Jimma (GK), Kastro Amaye, Shanko Balcha, Gugesa Besha, Omod Okwury, Mujib Kassim, Kenean Maleko, Henok Gebra, Amesalu Telahune, Amanuel Gamo, Adis Giday, Abel Tilahun.

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