CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup: Burundi, Eritrea Match Rained Off

The CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup match pitting Burundi against Eritrea has been called off after heavy rains pounded Bahir Dar on Tuesday afternoon.

Match officials held an inspection and ruled that the Bahir Dar Stadium pitch was unplayable after a one hour downpour hit the Ethiopian city.

The match had been played only 45 minutes as the teams could not set foot to the flooded pitch for their second-half tasks.

Match officials have been forced to push the remaining minutes (second-half) to Wednesday at the same venue with a view of determining a proper outcome.

Burundi  took the lead after 15 minutes through a rasping freekick by Nshirimana Ismael that beat Eritrea goalkeeper Kibrom Solomon all ends up.

Seven minutes later, Eritrea’s Ali Suleiman weaved past two Burundi defenders but his shot hit the side netting.

Asman Ndikumnana missed a glorious chance in the 26th minute when his diving header from Issa Hakizimana ’s cross flew few inches wide with handful of Burundi fans already on their feet ready to celebrate.

Burundi survived a close shave in the 29th minute when Tahom Tadesse’s freekick hit the crossbar with the Swallows goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo beaten.

Eritrea chance came in the 41st minute when Filmon Tumezghi broke through after he was put through by captain Robiel Bahta but his diagonal shot narrowly missed the target.

Photo Credit: Ethiopia Football Federation