Lesotho were too good for dominant Ethiopia in their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 preliminary round qualifier first leg tie played in a packed Bahir Dar National Stadium as the Crocodiles hold the Waliyas to a goalless draw. 

Ethiopia’s winless streak in the World Cup qualifier encounter soar to four games as Lesotho went back with a convincing result in what was coach Thabo Senong’s first at the helm.

The homers started on the right foot as they launched an all attack since the onset. Omod Okuri’s goal bound volley was deflected out for a corner by an alerted Basia Makepe in the opening minute. Ten minutes later, Shemeles Bekele did great to set up Amanuel Gebremikael but the latter could not trouble Lesotho custodian Thabiso Lichaba. 

The visitors almost got a surprising lead through Tsepo Seturumane’s curling effort but veteran Ethiopian goalie Jemal Tassew was equal to the task in the 15th minute. Three minutes later, Jane Thabantso’s header was parried by Tassew. Lesotho grew in confidence with their two attempts on goal and were creating havoc to the Ethiopian defence. 

Bekele’s perfect through ball freed the unmarked Mujib Kassim to unleash a powerful low drive but Lichaba brilliantly denied the home side a goal in the 33rd minute. In the 40th minute Ahmed Reshid of Ethiopia almost scored an own goal only to be saved by the post before Gatouch Panom’s miss at the other end.

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