Ethiopian National Team (The Walias) are scheduled to face the Sudanese National Team (The Falcons) in third and final Total African Nation’s Championships (CHAN) qualifier game later today at El Obiden stadium to secure spot at CHAN 2018 to be held in Kenya.
The two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg match held on Sunday at the Hawassa International Stadium. It was the Falcons which took the lead by the goal scored by Saifeldin Malik Bakhit in the second half of the game, before Abdurahman Mubarak of the Walias netted an equalizer seven minutes from time.
During the first half of the game the two sides preferred to play cautiously with both sides failing to possess the ball and take control of the game.
On the second half, the Falcons tried their best to exert their pressure on the back raw of the Walias which was rewarded in the 76 th minute putting the visitors ahead. By and large, the Walias were not playing like a home team with the Falcons showing more promise and projected confidence.
They, however, were not to go down without a fight and managed to level matters seven minutes later when Abdurhaman Mubarak found the back of the net. Neither side could find a winning goal on that day as the game ended 1-1.
Recognizing the return and the final leg match is scheduled at their home pitch, the visitor were the ones who were happier by the result of the Hawassa draw on Sunday.
Though the Falcons have an advantage of playing home, the return match is expected to be very tough for both sides because the result will determine which team will qualify for the CHAN Championship, 2018.
By Dawit Tolesa
