AbaJifar almost done, Mekelakeya faces tough return

A heartwarming away international debut victory over its Djibouti counterpart, defending Ethiopian Premier League champion Jimma AbaJifar is in pole position to get through CAF Champions League Preliminary round qualification second round ahead of Tuesday’s return leg in Addis Ababa. Mekelakya needs extra energy on Wednesday’s return leg to turn down the two nil Total Confederation Cup Preliminary first leg away defeat to Nigerian Rangers.
Though the victory is against a humble Djiboutian side ASAs, it is a huge moral boosting result both for international debutants: head Coach Zemaraiam W/Giorgis and champions Jimma AbaJifar. Fielding all three former Ethiopia Bunna mid fielders Mesoud Mohammed, Aschalew Girma and Elias Mamo gave Zemariam the upper hand at the mid field while the presence of Didye Libre and Mamadou Sidebe up front made it complete domination. An early opening goal from Aschalew followed by a braid from Mamadou in both halves, the final result stood at 3-1 thus AbaJifar already one leg in the next qualification round.
On the other hand Mekelakya’s journey to Nigeria ended a tough undertaking with the home side Rangers winning 2-0 both goals from a penalty spot kick. It was a good first half with Seyoum Kebede’s effort to fending off the visitors’ strike force stood strong. But back from the dressing room things turned out in favor of Rangers hammering in two goals from the spot kick both through Godwin Agoda. According to news head coach Seyoum so frustrated for the refereeing commented his grievance through Nigerian media. “Even Nigerian broadcasts complained about the referee and suggested the result could be turned over on the return leg,” Seyoum told local reporters.
What so ever the first leg Seyoum and his squad need to fight back on Wednesday’s home match in order to change the history page that the Army Side never get through the preliminary rounds.