In the friendly soccer match played between Arba Minch Management Team and Presidents’ of 34 Universities in the backdrop of AMU’s 25th anniversary, the host team has put up brilliant show registering victory over Guest Team 2-0.
This friendly tie has done two important things to AMU; first it has cemented the bond with 34 universities; secondly it has showcased an inherent sporting talent of the top AMU officials to the visiting dignitaries.
This high-voltage game started with the Police Bands from South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region presenting the march past, encircling Main Campus stadium on 24th May, 2014, playing some amazing tunes created the perfect setting for the tie.
The jam-packed stadium where spectators including students, onlookers and visitors were all agog to know the winner gave, the semblance as if two soccer giants were clashing with each other. While the country’s Education Minister Mr Shiferaw Shigute, his deputy Dr Kaba Urgessa and all the dignitaries were seated near the bench.
As the whistle blew, in the inception, AMU Team showed some slackness, with some of its players finding it difficult to handle the ball; soon they got into their elements. Especially, their Captain, Dr Feleke’s apt ball maneuvering, slick dribbling and deft passing produced some fruitful moves.
In the first half, few minutes later opposition launched counter attack from the right flank, with two of their players speeding past fully unchallenged, heading towards the wide open goal, But, reaching there they failed to capitalize on, thus forfeiting the chance to score maiden goal for the team, as rookie goalkeeper Dr Paulos had left wide gaping space.
Back on the heel, Dr Feleke gave crisp short pass to Dr Chombe who nudged it towards Dr Agena, who frittered away the golden opportunity.
AMU Team forward, Dr Feleke, soon intercepting the ball cruised into opponent’s half, but the hit was misdirected. Intermittently, opponents made moves but they choked at the crunch moment; their back-ups simply failed to strike at the right moment.
In the first half, AMU Team had maximum ball possession while Presidents’ Team trying to get into rhythm was completely out of sync. They never made an organized move from the either flanks and didn’t know how to make inroad into their adversary’s territory. The first half ended with none scoring any goal.
In 2nd half, Presidents’ Team made good moves with better coordination and dribbling skills of some of their players, but in the absence of well-planned strategy all efforts went in vain. They couldn’t penetrate the strong wall of defense created by quartet Dr Dikaso-Dr Yechale-Dr Belete-Dr Nigussie.
After 15-minute, darting Dr Negash had a fall as he tried to tackle out-rushing Guest Team player and Dr Nigussie had to slug it out to frustrate opposition’s challenge were replaced by lanky Ashenafi and hulking Addis.
Soon, the trio, Ashenafi-Zerihun-Chombe made quick triangular passes taking advantage of opponent’s poor defense; Chombe blasted the ball that missed the net by a whisker. He quickly made a lee way, redirecting Ashenafi’s long-pass to Addis who swiftly lobbed the ball into the net.
The goal was denied as it was foul, consequently, AMU earned the penalty but Dr Feleke’s shot veered away from the target. However, the gloom soon turned into joy as game enters into final stage, glib-footed Elias dispossessing the opponent tore through the defense and netted the ball earning a lead for his team.
Forthwith, opponents went into AMU’s half but feckless efforts fizzled out. After taking 1-0 lead, AMU Team showed some real brilliant skills.
AMU forward, Dr Feleke stood tall amongst others with restraint and balanced moves, who has created half-a-dozen opportunities for his team; Dr Agena firmly backed him. Dr Chombe on both flanks proved his mettle with good ball control and accurate passes.
In the last minute, AMU Team made a sudden charge from the left; the ball was passed to Zerihun, who flawlessly slammed it in the right place giving his team invincible 2-0 lead.
Spectacular show by AMU has the entire spectators into roaring with some of the students dancing and chanting in favor of AMU.
The winning team’s Cup was handed over by Education minister, Mr Shiferaw Shigute to Dr Feleke. Minister also handed over the winning trophy to Abaya Campus for defeating Kulfo in the game held in the morning.
By Philips Joseph