Ethiopia overwhelmed Sao Tome and Principe 3-0 in World Cup preliminary qualifier game, played on Sunday October 11 at Addis Ababa.
Sao Tome and Principe came into the second leg on the back of a 1-0 lead from the previous meeting between the two sides four days earlier in Sao Tome. The hosts started brightly and Dawit Fikadu struck on the first minute to level matters on aggregate.
Sao Tome and Principe came into the second leg on the back of a 1-0 lead from the previous meeting between the two sides four days earlier in Sao Tome. The hosts started brightly and Dawit Fikadu struck on the first minute to level matters on aggregate.
That early goal proved a morale-booster and the Walias perpetually threatened to score in the opening 15 minutes. However, the visitors got back momentarily. Ephrem Ashamo could have doubled the lead before the end of the half but his volley went shockingly over the bar.
In the second half Ethiopia stuck to their attacking approach and got the rewarded in the 48th minute from the spot. Gatoch Panom doubled the lead from the spot sending goalie Dungue Lima the wrong way.
Sao Tome dominated after conceding the second goal. Harramiz Soares attempted a long range effort to pull reduce the deficit but Ethiopia goalkeeper Tarike Getnet punched the ball out.
Albeit Sao Tome's highline defense were caught napping several times, and Ramkel Lok capitalized on that in the 74th minute to ensure the comprehensive win in the 74 minute.
Ethiopia coach Yohannes Sahle in a post-match stated that victory was deserving for his team.
“As we observed, we beat Sao Tome convincingly. They did not manage to trouble as they did in the first leg. Since we have seen them in the previous game, we were aware of their approach. The Sao Tome national team gave us a hard time last Thursday. They were the better side and could have even scored more goals in the first leg. My players were highly motivated to satisfy the fans. We could have scored more goals.
“The strikers are new to the international arena and they need time and experience. All in all I commend the players for their effort,” said Sahle, who appears to have silenced his critics following the exclusion of experienced attacking trio, Salahdin Said, Getaneh Kebede and Oumed Okuri from the squad.
The Walias will play Congo at the next round.
In the second half Ethiopia stuck to their attacking approach and got the rewarded in the 48th minute from the spot. Gatoch Panom doubled the lead from the spot sending goalie Dungue Lima the wrong way.
Sao Tome dominated after conceding the second goal. Harramiz Soares attempted a long range effort to pull reduce the deficit but Ethiopia goalkeeper Tarike Getnet punched the ball out.
Albeit Sao Tome's highline defense were caught napping several times, and Ramkel Lok capitalized on that in the 74th minute to ensure the comprehensive win in the 74 minute.
Ethiopia coach Yohannes Sahle in a post-match stated that victory was deserving for his team.
“As we observed, we beat Sao Tome convincingly. They did not manage to trouble as they did in the first leg. Since we have seen them in the previous game, we were aware of their approach. The Sao Tome national team gave us a hard time last Thursday. They were the better side and could have even scored more goals in the first leg. My players were highly motivated to satisfy the fans. We could have scored more goals.
“The strikers are new to the international arena and they need time and experience. All in all I commend the players for their effort,” said Sahle, who appears to have silenced his critics following the exclusion of experienced attacking trio, Salahdin Said, Getaneh Kebede and Oumed Okuri from the squad.
The Walias will play Congo at the next round.
By: Cafonline.com
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