FIFA WOrld Cup Qualifiers
Ethiopia start with defeat away to Ghana
The Walias of Ethiopia started the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat away to Ghana on Friday night.
Mubarak Wakaso netted the lone goal after 35 minutes at the Cape Coast Stadium.
The Ethiopian goalkeeper Teklemariyam Shanko blundered when Wakaso’s shot went through his hands and legs to settle into the net.
Shanko had earlier denied Andre Ayew in the 19th minute when he saved from close range.
In the second half Ethiopia lifted up their performance and came attacking the Black Stars but failed to create any scoring opportunity in the game.
A double save by substitute goalkeeper Fasil Gebremichael in the 73rd minute prevented Ghana from getting the second goal after a long drive by Yaw Yeboah and a follow-up by skipper Ayew.
In the 84th Ethiopia got their best chance with Shemeket Gugsa’s shot parried away by Ghana’s goalkeeper Richard Ofori.
Ethiopia will next host Zimbabwe at the Bahir Dar Stadium on September 7th, while Ghana play away to South Africa. The Black Stars of Ghana lead the Group, while South Africa and Zimbabwe who drew goalless in the opening match have a point each, while Ethiopia are bottom of the log.