In the Total CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round second leg encounter Wolaitta Dicha defeated Zimamoto 2-1 on aggregate to cruise to the first round qualifier. Togolese striker converted a first half penalty as Wolaitta Dicha progressed to the next stage on their first attempt. Although the Zanzibar outfit ware dumped out of the tournament, they were the better side of the two.
Zimamoto started off the duel on high note as they came very close to grab the opener in first 13 minutes. Seven minutes into the game Nyange Othman Denge’s inch perfect cross was headed by Hakim Khamis Ali, who happened to score Zimamoto’s goal in a one all draw 10 days ago, to rattle the post. Six minutes later Nyange should have done better when opportunity opens up for him to score from two meters out. Hassan Haji Ali’s cut back found Nyange but the striker sent the ball over the bar. The homers first attempt on goal came from Dagim Bekele in the 18th minute. Dagim’s strike was well saved by an altered Zimamoto goalie Nassor Mrisho.
In the 25th minute Haimanot Worku headed into Nassor before the Djiboutian referee awarded a penalty for Wolaitta Dicha when Yussuf Ramadan handled the ball inside the box. Djako stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake to put Wolaitta Dicha ahead in the 27th minute. The former Hawassa Ketema forward has also scored the first ever Wolaitta Dicha’s continental goal last week in Zanzibra City against the same opponent. The home side continued on to push forward to double their lead but their dominance was short-lived as Zimamoto grew stronger in the last 15 minutes.
After the resumption the Sodo side piled on the pressure and was almost got the second goal. Bezabeh Meleyo’s perfect effort from outside of the box was parried away by Nassor. Minutes later Dagim missed out on a one on one chance with Nassor. In the last 20 minutes Wolaitta Dicha declined in form as the visitors dominated the proceedings. Nonetheless, both sides came short of scoring goals. The result saw Wolaitta Dicha to eliminate Zimamoto and set up a pulsating encounter against Egyptian giants Zamalek.
