The Ethiopian Women national side suffered a disappointing 3-2 home loss to Algeria in the Total African Women Cup of Nations qualifier return leg game played out in Addis Ababa.
Lucy’s reacted late to grab two goals but were forced out of the biennial continental competition at the hands of Algeria for the second successive time. Algeria completed a doubled over Ethiopia to cruise to AWCON with a 6-3 aggregate win.
Naima Bouhani opened the scoring for The Fennecs in the 18th minute when she found the back of the net after receiving a good pass from Assia Sidhoum. Bouhani almost doubled the advantage in the 26th minute but sent her effort wide. Loza Abera tested the Algerian custodian Kahina Takenint in numerous occasions during the interval but the Ethiopian start striker failed to get a goal. The visitors grabbed a second goal at stroke of half time when team captain Fatima Sekouane heads home leaving Ethiopian goalie Abaynesh Ereqelo helpless.
The second half brought a much better Lucy side; nonetheless it was the Algerians who struck a goal again. Bouhani, a ten times Algerian Footballer of the Year accolade winner, left her markers to the dead with a blistering pace and sent a low drive that was denied by Abaynesh but France based Myriam Benlazar followed up to strike the third in the 52nd as the away side looked to put the game beyond the reach of Lucy.
Three minutes after the hour mark Loza beat her marker and unleashed a powerful left footed shot to score from 18 meters out. The introduction of Aregash Kelsa boosted the homers attacking prowess as Lucy pushed forward to get goals. In the 72nd minute Loza completed her brace with a fine header after being set up by Tigist Zewde. Hiwot Dengiso, Rehima Zerega and Loza came the closest to score the equalizer but the Algerian defense stood firm to progress to their fifth AWCON.
Ethiopia has filed a complaint to CAF over the eligibility of two of the Algerian women national team player. Isma Oudaa and Fedoul Nadjet are said to be former members of the United Arab Emirates women national side that participated in annual zonal tournament and a FIFA friendly game against Palestine.
