Argentina (4) v (6) Ethiopia

By Tim Beissmann

THE EXCITING Ethiopian side claimed third place in the Big Issue Host Cup after hanging on for a 6-4 win over Argentina.

Ethiopia started with a clear game plan and structure, and despite missing an open goal with their first attempt, made no such mistake in the second minute with Naod Tekleyohannes putting in the African's first.

They used their keeper Asmamaw Yasin to effect, controlling possession and denying the Agentinians the ball, Kedir Mustefa scoring another in the process.

Carlos Machado was carrying the extra weight of the captain's armband for the South Americans, but showed no signs of being overwhelmed when he put his country's first goal on the board in the fourth minute.

Sergio Masloski was dangerous for Argentina in defence and was unlucky not to score from two corner attempts close to half time.

Assefa Woldegerima fired in some big late shots and was rewarded in the seventh minute, taking his team to the break 3-1 up.

The opening minutes of the second half were tight and fiercely competitive, possession changing constantly as both teams tried for the all important first goal.

Ethiopia's keeper Yasin was under seige from some strong Argentinian strikes, but it was Tekleyohannes again who stretched the lead to 4-1.

Argentine substitute Godoy Alejandra pulled off the most unusual of goals of the tournament in the fourth minute when she found herself in the way of a keeper kick-in and the ball bounced back through off her leg.

But the Ethiopians were using the ball too well and their classy foot work created another two quick goals.

Then out of nowhere, Masloski rolled one over a helpless keeper, then put scored another a minute later to spark what seemed a most unlikely comeback.

The final minute was filled with shots peppered at the goals and the fans screamed with frustration as both sides failed to convert.

In the end the Ethiopians did enough to hang on, and rightfully earned their third place in the Big Issue Host Cup after a fast-paced and skillful tournament.

Photos: Photoworx