Ethiopia (7) v (9) Sierra Leone

By Andrea Fox

Sierra Leone defeated Ethiopia, 9- 7, in a fantastic match in the heat in Federation Square.

This 'African Affair' was a tight, skilled contest, with each team having to earn their possession and work hard to keep it.

Sierra Leone's constant pressure on Ethiopian goalie Yasin, resulted in a close goal to Jalloh to open the scoring.

But Ethiopia replied quickly with a goal to Woldegerima off Sierra Leone's keeper Conteh's deflection.

Woldegerima's lighting quick reflexes gave Ethiopia with their second goal, with a magnificent block, turn and strike into the back of the net.

The match then became a tug-of-war, with Sierra Leone's Jalloh scoring again only for Ethiopia to pile on two more goals by Tekleyohannes and Woldegerima giving them a handy 4 -2 break.

Not for long, as Sierra Leone regrouped through some impressive teamwork, smooth passing and quick rebounding.

This resulted in goals to Barrie to bring to even the score to 4-4 for half time.

The second half was a flurry of goals to, opening with 3 scores in 30 seconds.

Sierra Leone pounced with constant pressure on Ethiopian keeper Yasin, giving them two quick goals.

But Ethiopia were not to be discounted, responding with a lovely strike by Mustfa finding the back of the net.

A toe-poke through the goalies legs by Barrie helped Sierra Leone reclaim a handy lead, one which would last for the rest of the match.

Ethopia scored twice more through speedy attacking drives, but a freakish goal burst by Sierra Leone's Kargbo sealed the deal on this classic encounter.

Kargbo scored from out wide on the sideboard and followed it up with a goal from an impossible right angle find the corner of the net.

Photos: Photoworx