Visitors Algeria thrice came from behind to hold Ethiopia to a 3-3 draw on Tuesday in their Group J Day 4 clash in Addis Ababa.
The North Africans nicknamed ‘Les Fennecs’ were 7-1 winners in the previous meeting between the two sides last Friday in Blida. However, they faced a stiff opposition from a very determined Ethiopian side, who took the lead three times before the visitors leveled each time.
Striker Getaneh Kebede broke the deadlock on 28 minutes to give the Walias a lead which Islam Slimani canceled just before the break.
Early in the second half, Kebede again put his side up three minutes after the interval with a low shot past Algeria goalie Rais M’Bolhi. The lead will last for some minutes before Aissa Mandi headed home the equalizer on 62 minutes.
Two minutes later, the Walias went up again through Dawit Fikadu with a shot from close range, only for Faouzi Ghoulam to restore parity six minutes from time from the spot.
Ethiopia coach Yohannes Sahle hailed his players for their spirited performance against the highly rated Algerians.
“My boys challenged in a very strong way despite the heavy defeat in the first match. We had even the chance of winning but we were forced to drop points due to minor errors,” said Sahle, who has now set sights on finishing amongst the two best runner-ups, with Algeria certain to finish top of the group.
On his part, Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff said: “We have seen clear differences from the Ethiopian team that played in the first leg and the squad that played in the return match. Of course, the Addis Ababa stadium pitch was not comfortable for play and that had a negative contribution to our performance”.
Algeria are within touching distance of securing the group’s automatic ticket, leading the pack on 10 points, five more than Ethiopia. Seychelles have four points and Lesotho in that order on three points.
Striker Getaneh Kebede broke the deadlock on 28 minutes to give the Walias a lead which Islam Slimani canceled just before the break.
Early in the second half, Kebede again put his side up three minutes after the interval with a low shot past Algeria goalie Rais M’Bolhi. The lead will last for some minutes before Aissa Mandi headed home the equalizer on 62 minutes.
Two minutes later, the Walias went up again through Dawit Fikadu with a shot from close range, only for Faouzi Ghoulam to restore parity six minutes from time from the spot.
Ethiopia coach Yohannes Sahle hailed his players for their spirited performance against the highly rated Algerians.
“My boys challenged in a very strong way despite the heavy defeat in the first match. We had even the chance of winning but we were forced to drop points due to minor errors,” said Sahle, who has now set sights on finishing amongst the two best runner-ups, with Algeria certain to finish top of the group.
On his part, Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff said: “We have seen clear differences from the Ethiopian team that played in the first leg and the squad that played in the return match. Of course, the Addis Ababa stadium pitch was not comfortable for play and that had a negative contribution to our performance”.
Algeria are within touching distance of securing the group’s automatic ticket, leading the pack on 10 points, five more than Ethiopia. Seychelles have four points and Lesotho in that order on three points.
By: Cafonline.com
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