Fasil Kenema took a big step toward the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after a 3-0 win over Burundi Bunamuru on Friday afternoon.
The first leg, preliminary round match at Bahir Dar Stadium on Friday afternoon saw Hailu Negash’s side rack up a fine victory that makes them clear favourites to advance into the first round.
The Ethiopian giants enjoyed a bright start to the clash as they managed to get some nice touches in the opening exchanges before Shimekt forced a great parried save from Patient Ndikuriyo in the 10th minute.
Fasil Kenema continued to look threatening, and Fiadu should have done better with his 24th minute effort. Ten minutes later it was Alembirhan Yigzaw who tested Ndikuriyo but the Bunamuru shot-stopper safely held on.
The Emperors defender made sure that his next attempt rattled the net with a powerful header as he put his team 1-0 ahead in the 33rdminute. The goal seemed to spark the Bunamuru attacks and Auna Mussa forced a lovely save from Samake only two minutes later to keep his side in the lead at the break.
Fasil Kenema continued to dominate play even after the restart, and Surafel almost added another in the 52nd minute, but the attacker sent his volley over the woodwork, much to the relief of the away players.
Fikadu Alemu took matters into his own hands as he converted a chance in the 63rd minute to extend Fasil Kenema’s lead to 2-0.
Bunamuru tried to pull off a come-back by adding numbers into their attacks, but it seemed to open them up even more as Tafesse Solomon found the back of the net with a 82nd-minute effort to also seal the 3-0 victory.
Fasil Kenema will be confident of retaining or adding to their aggregate lead in the return leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium next weekend.
