Ethiopian premier league champions Saint George came from a goal down to book a place in Total Energies CAF Champions league second round qualifications while debutant Bahirdar Ketema qualified for Confederation Cup second round after a penalty shootout victory over Tanzanian heavy weight Azam.
Though Saint George returned home after a 2:1 first leg victory courtesy of the goals from Biniam Belay and Natnael Zeleke, the second leg home match was almost turned advantage to visitors KMKM for their shocking opening goal just ten minutes in to the game.
But a surprising come back in the second half Saint George came out victorious with a marveling 3-1 victory with goals from Dawit Tefera, Natnael Zeleke and newly signed Amanuel Arebo. Saint George got through the preliminary first round 5-2 aggregate result thus facing Egyptian giants Al-Ahly.
“We were taken by shocking surprise early in the game. But a determined second half performance, we managed to getaway with clear victory” remarked Head Coach Zerihoun Shenegeta after the game.
Meanwhile premier league runner up and international match debutant Baherdar Ketema got past Tanzania’s Azam after a second leg penalty shootout 4-3 victory.
It was not an easy ride to the second round qualifications for Bahirdar was seriously challenged by their adversary Azam. Ali Suleiman and Prince Dube’s first half two goals almost handed the home side a sheer passage to the second round. But Habetamu Tadesse’s second half goal levelled the score line to all-three thus a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
Degarege’Yigzaw’s side sailed into the second round qualifications showdown against Tunisian side Club Africa.