Tanzania took a giant leap towards their pursuit for a final round spot in the African qualifiers for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, Costa Rica 2022™, securing a 1-0 victory over Ethiopia in Zanzibar on Sunday.
The fourth round fixture had rekindled the East African rivalry between Tanzania and Ethiopia, after both teams previously earned third round wins over Burundi and Eritrea respectively.
The home side and reigning COSAFA U20 Championship winner made the brightest start with several chances but couldn’t convert them against the Ethiopians as the first half ended in a barren draw at the Amaan Stadium.
After the break, the visiting CECAFA U20 Women’s Cup champions also returned to the pitch with intent to snatch an away goal, but it was the Tanzanite that found a breakthrough in the 64th minute thanks to Christer Bahera’s effort.
With a goal down, the desperate visitors staged late attempts in closing stages to grab an equaliser but the hosts held on solidly heading into the full time to seal a narrow win.
The slim win handed Tanzania a first leg lead going into the second leg at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, where their neighbours Ethiopia will be hoping to overturn the one-goal deficit in a fortnight.
Winner of the grudge East African fixture over two legs will progress to a four-team final phase, where they are scheduled to face either Ghana or Uganda in March 2022.
Source: CAF
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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