Ethiopia and Malawi draw to eliminate Kenya

By James Waindi

Omod Okwury's 70th minute wonder goal earned Ethiopia a deserved 1-1 draw against tournament favourites Malawi in an entertaining match.

Malawi had taken a 27th minute lead through Henry Kabichi who curled in a free kick after Daniel Derebe fouled Victor Nyirenda just outside the box.

"A draw is a fair result for us although we wanted a straight win to be certain of reaching the quarterfinals. We now have to rely on Kenya to beat champions Uganda tomorrow so that we can have a chance to progress.

"I’m very proud of my players because they matched a very strong side in all the areas and they showed character to come from a goal down and level the match," said Onuorah.

Malawi coach Kinnah Phiri said Ethiopia put up a good fight and said he would like to meet them later in the competition.

Phiri only made a single change from the team that beat Kenya 3-2 and tied 1-1 with Uganda, resting his first choice custodian Amadu Ali. The Malawi Flames, who had scored in the first three minutes of their first two matches started brightly this time round, but could not breach the Ethiopian defence.

almost punished

Victor Nyirenda had two long-range shots saved by Ethiopia’s custodian Jemal Bushera and hit the side netting in the sixth minute. Kelvin Katema was also denied earlier in the match.

Ethiopia almost punished the Flames in the 10th minute, but a goal by wonder-kid Shemeles Godo was chalked off by Zanzibar referee Ibada Ramadhan for an offside to leave the Ethiopian bench protesting bitterly.

Malawi broke the deadlock in the 27th minute courtesy of Kabichi’s free kick from the edge of the box that left custodian Bushera flat-footed. They could have been 2-0 up in the 38th minute, but Siyeni Zoya’s free kick rattled the cross bar before coming off the line to safety with no Malawi striker able to pounce on the rebound.

In the second half, Omod Okwury connected with a volley Shemele’s cross in the 70th minute to stun their opponents. The goal that would contest for the goal of the tournament was applauded by fans who started cheering the Ethiopians for the reminder of the match.