Burundi struck thrice to thrash Ethiopia on the ongoing CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup game. In a tie playouted in Kakamega, Western Kenya, Burundi put up a spirited fight to beat the Waliyas in a resounding 4-1 score line, the biggest defeat for Ethiopia virtually in 15 years in the CECAFA Cup tourney matches.
Ethiopia coach Ashenafi Bekele brought Temesgen Castro in place of the injured center back Tewodros Bekele while Henok Adugna replaced Addis Gidey while Burundi coach Niyungeko A. Olivier missed the service of star player Fiston Abdoul as he traveled to Angola to join a new club leaving Laudit Mavugo the lone striker.
A very balanced first interval followed by a total domination by Burundi summed up the game. Nine minutes to the game opportunity to put Burundi ahead presented for midfielder Moussa Herimana but he squandered the chance from a goalmouth. Abdurrahman Mubarak unleashed a powerful shot from range that went wide without causing any harm in the 24th minute. At the half hour mark a beautifully taken free kick from Pierre Kwizera broke the deadlock. Waliyas pushed to get a leveler and eventually they succeeded in stroke of half time when Dawa Hotessa converted a spot kick after being brought down for a dubious penalty kick.
Following the recess, Ethiopia’s defense looked fragile and unable to contain Burundi’s offensive line. Burundi dominated the proceedings and were the better side of the two the whole second stanza. Second half substitute Cedrick Urasenga cross from the right flank found the back of the net in the 53rd minute. Ethiopian custodian Tarike Getnet made his third blunder of the day as he let the ball slip to give Burundi a 2-1 lead. Burundi grew in confidence and were more hungrier than their opposition to struck more goals. Hussein Shaban’s header four minutes after the hour mark almost made it 3 before Laudit Mavugo struck a penalty kick to extend the lead. Shassir Nahimana’s clinical finish inside the area wrapped up the score for a brilliant Burundi side. Nahimana beats two of his markers to score a sublime goal 13 minutes before time.
The last time Ethiopia suffered a heavy loss was in the 2002 CECAFA Cup at hands of Uganda, the final score being 3-0.
Meanwhile, in other games Zanzibra continued on to send shock waves amazing to make two wins out of two as they beat Tanzania 2-1 in Brother’s Derby. Libya and Rwanda played out a goalless draw leaving Amavubi’s hope for progress to the semis in limbo.
The defeat leaves Ethiopia second with 3 points while Burundi take control of the group with 4 points from two games. Title favorites Uganda will lock horns against minnows South Sudan.
Match Reaction
Zerihun Shengetta, Ethiopia assistant coach
“The game was not bad on our side but our players are young and never played an aggressive side in international game before. They will hopefully grasp experience and we shall step up our game to play good in the next games. In order for us to progress the game against Uganda is a must win tie. Against Uganda we will try to play good and book a place in the semis.”
Niyungeko A. Olivier, Burundi coach
“Ethiopia were the favorites. They used to beat us. Last time we draw against Uganda. The two countries used to beat us. Now you see we won 4-1. It demonstrates that we are preparing and making progress. It is not enough but we are still going forward. We will try to win the next game and finish as group leaders.”
Results
Tanzania 1-2 Zanzibar
Ethiopia 1-4 Burundi
Rwanda 0-0 Libya
Today’s Fixture
3:00 – Uganda vs. South Sudan (Kakamega)
