Ethiopia (8) v (3) New Zealand

ETHIOPIA kicked off its Homeless World Cup 2008 campaign in style with an emphatic 8-3 victory over a determined New Zealand outfit.

New Zealand looked the better team early on, with a number of attacking plays forcing Ethiopia on to the back foot. Persistence paid off and at the three minute mark New Zealand’s first goal came from a cracking long strike. An infringement in the goalkeeper's circle brought about a New Zealand penalty soon after, which was calmly converted.

Ethiopia responded to the challenge in style, manufacturing a goal out of nothing before a tremendous long shot levelled the game at 2-2.

Two more goals to the Africans saw Ethiopia head into half time with a handy two-goal lead. It could have been worse for New Zealand if not for its goalkeeper spectacularly saving a penalty shot just before the end of the half.

The second half started in much the same fashion as the first finished, with Ethiopia continuing its relentless attack. Two quick strikes handed the Africans an insurmountable 6-2 buffer. New Zealand fought it out to the end, getting a third goal from the tightest of angles.

However Ethiopia was just too good, and a brace before full-time rounded out an impressive display.

Photos: Photoworx