Ethiopia laboured to tame South Sudan 2-0 in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup preliminary encounter in Nairobi this afternoon to qualify for the semifinals.
The crucial victory kept the Ethiopians who earlier in the tournament beat Zanzibar 3-1 on top of Group A with seven points as the race to the knockout stage heats up.
South Sudan making only their second appearance in the regional event nearly an upset against heir more illustrious opponents who reached to the final knockout stage of the Africa Nations Cup.
South Sudan Antelope’s defender William Offiri manned the backline well fending off the Ethiopian attacks at City Stadium.
But coach Sewnet Bishaw’s side fought harder in the later half. The pressure paid off with Yousuf Yassin grabbing the lead with a 55th minute strike.
Substitute Biruk Kalbore put the game to bed when he beat the keeper with a beautiful finish to make it 2-0.
South Sudan who fell to hosts Harambee Stars 3-0 are virtually out of contention for the knockout stage.
Defending champions Uganda and Sudan were among the first teams to reach the quarterfinals. Kenya and Tanzania are also on the brink of heading to the knockout stages.
By Samson Opus, The New Vision
