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ZONAL AFCON U-17 QUALIFIERS: Ethiopia score late to hold Kenya
Ethiopia fought strongly to score late and hold Kenya to a 2-2 draw as the Zonal Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) U-17 qualifiers for the Cecafa region kicked-off on Sunday.
Kenya took a 14th minute lead through James Gachango who capitalized on a flat footed Ethiopian defence to finish with a hard low shot at the Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu, Rwanda.
The Ethiopian team continued to defend in numbers as Kenn Kyalo missed several scoring chances. Ethiopia’s skipper Jiru Bereket had the chance to level matters after 44 minutes, but fired off target.
In the second half Kenya continued to dominate play, but it was Bereket who got it right this time with a good finish after 61 minutes. Kenya piled more pressure and it paid off in the 84th minute when Umar Rajab tapped in from close range to make it 2-1.
But talk about the late moments in sport and Ethiopia where up to the task when they earned a penalty after the fourth official had indicated four minute of added time. Kenyan defender Hamisi Omari brought down Miraj Nagash in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Nagash converted the penalty to make sure Ethiopia snatched a point from their first group A game.
Kenya’s Umar Rajab, Khamis Nyale and Hamis Omari were booked, while Ethiopia also had EsmailShamil booked.
On Monday hosts Rwanda will battle Tanzania in the first Group B match.
Group A standing
P W D L F A D Pts
Ethiopia 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
Kenya 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
Uganda 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0