Algeria takes a slander lead from the first leg of the women AfCON encounter against Ethiopia in Stade Omar Hamadi.
Dalila Zerrouki’s second half strike was all Algeria needed to beat Ethiopia for a slim lead ahead of the return leg in Addis Ababa.
The home side started the game brightly as they piled up the pressure on Lucy’s. Nontheless, the visitors kept the Algerians at bay for much of the half time. The Ethiopians failed to make an impact in the first half.
Lucy regrouped and came back stronger in second half as they played better in the opening 15 minutes. Star striker Loza Abera saw her goal bound effort hitting the crossbar.
The Algerians broke the deadlock in the 61st minute through Zerrouki, who was left unmarked as she unleashed a superb shot outside of the box that go past Ethiopia custodian Dagmawit Mekonen.
Ethiopia tried to level the score through Biruktawit Girma and Hiwot Dengiso. However, their long range strike was futile.
Both nations will square off on March 26 in Addis Ababa on the return leg.
The winner takes on Kenya, who were automatically qualified for the final round following DR Congo’s decision to pull out of the qualifier.
