Ethiopia (2) v (4) Romania

Steph Rhoden

Romania has secured their place in the Big Issue Host Cup final after downing a fiery Ethiopia 4-2.

Romania flew out of the gates with constant attacks on goal, but wonderful keeping by Ethiopia's Asmamaw Yasin kept them from making it onto the scoreboard.

As they pushed harder, the Europeans could only find the crossbar as Ethiopia scored the first against the flow of play thanks to Nebiyah Workeneh.

Paul finally got one for Romania as the match began to even out.

But neither side could get through the keepers, with spectacular saves by both keepers at both ends got the crowd cheering.

Radu Muntean broke through for Romania's second, while Ben Calamcea made it impossible for the Africans to score.

Workeneh received a red card just before half-time, with his nation down 2-1 going into the break.

Pavel Calancea got the first goal after the break for the Romanians, but Ethiopia just couldn't seem to find the back of the net.

Assefa Woldegerima went close but struck the bar, as breath-taking keeping from Yasin not once but four times in as many seconds allowed Ethiopia to press forward and finally add to their tally.

But it was not enough for Ethiopia, and Calancea managed another to extend Romania's lead and push them into the last day of the tournament.

Photo: Photoworx