Whatever the final result after the return away leg against African giant Zamalek, debutant Wolayta Dicha wrote a new and long inspiring chapter in the club’s less than a decade history. Rookie head coach Zenebe Fiseha on the hot seat and a squad hardly with international football experience, the 2-1 first leg home victory in front of a jubilant 60,000 spectators is heroic with a story to tell grandchildren around evening fires. Each Dicha Player received a 20,000 Birr bonus for their heroic performance.
The over confident Zamalek starting slow yet with some early goal efforts, Wolayta Dicha went on with attacking football from the whistle. Man of the match Bezabeh Meleyo’s marvelous volley past the visitors’ goalie at the 14th minute was amazing. It took only twelve minutes for the visitors’ equalizer from Emad Fathy who capitalized from Teklu Tafesse’s defensive blunder.
Back from the changing room Dicha alas “Bee of Tona” was pressing for a winner while the five time African champions opted for a cautious defensive play to go back home sharing a point. However had it not been for goalie Wondwosen Germew’s two superb saves “The White Knights” could have gone home with all three points. Nevertheless 15 minutes into the stoppage time Bezabeh once again in action set up Yared Dawit to a magnificent winner thus the historic 2-1 victory to Dicha.
“It is all about the return leg in Suez and I am sure we will claim a big home victory in ten days” remarked Zamalek head coach Ehab Galal after the match. “I admire the fan’s amazing performance and wish the best to Wolayta” he added.
On his part Dicha’s overnight hero Coach Zenebe told reporters that considering their effort they deserved better. “I am happy setting our supporters to cloud nine and confident of better performance in Suez,” Zenebe suggested