History in the making: Dicha Vs Zimamoto Wednesday

After an amazing away draw in its first ever international debut match, Ethiopian Knock-out holders Wolayta Dicha entertains its Zanzibar counterpart Zimamoto for a second leg home showdown at Hawassa International Stadium today. Saint George has safely embarked to the final preliminary round without kicking the ball because Juba based Al-Salam-Wau forfeited. Coming from a goal down Dicha’s adventures under new boss Zenebe Asfaw continued after a 1-1 away draw with Zimamoto. Zenebe’s cautious 4-5-1 formation paid back big when the lone striker Togolese Jaco Arafat cancelled out the hosts’ 31st minute lead through Hakim Kamis header. Though the hosts were also fresh to the continental fixtures, they made a strong bid to a win but for the heroic defense of the back four saved the day for the visitors. Back home with an important away goal, Dicha in front of home supporters in Hawassa has every opportunity for a famous win and a place in the second preliminary round. “We have the upper hand but another ninety minutes remaining to wrap up things therefore we are focused on that match” remarked one of the senior players among Dicha squad.
Ethiopian flag bearer in the Champions League Saint George quietly got through the first round after a forfeit victory over Al-Salam of South Sudan. Past the laborious wait for officials from the club as well from EFF because of the visitors’ failure to respond via email, “The Horse Riders” slipped through the first round only to face the aggregate winner of the second leg match between visitors from Madagascar CNAPS Sports and hosts KCCA of Uganda. CNAPS has to defend the 2-1 first leg home victory.