Wolayta Dicha makes history joining Confederation Cup first round

Two home and away goals from Togolese international Jaco Arafat, helped Wolyta Dicha pipe through the Confederation Cup preliminary round after a 2-1 aggregate victory over its Zanzibar counterpart Zimamoto. The Ethiopian knock-out champion faces Egyptian heavy weight Zamalek in the first round of a two leg qualification showdown with the first leg taking place at home on March 7, 2018.
Back from an important first leg 1-1 away draw thanks to Jaco’s 43rd minute equalizer, home side Wolayta managed a 1-0 home win once again courtesy to Jaco’s 26th minute winning goal from a spot kick thus a safe passage to the group stage first round that brings together 32 teams.
Despite the absence of four regular players because of injury, newly appointed head coach Zenebe Fisseha did a wonderful job of inspiring the players and leading them to a new chapter in their ten year history. “It is the team work and my contribution to the result that is motivating the players to rise to the occasion in front of their supporters. We are to work on our weaknesses before facing Zamalek in the group knock-out stage,” Zenebe told reporters after the game. “Whatever the next match is we will get prepared at our best and not forget that our injured players will recover in good time,” Zenebe added. The grateful club has awarded each player 30,000 Birr and promised to give every hand in their preparation for the next game against Zamalek.
The 107-year-old seven time African champion Zamalek that boasts a 75,000-seater stadium visits Wolayta for the first leg showdown on March 7. The return leg is a week later. Zamalek is among the ten teams that received first round byes.