Ethiopia lose after brave show

Ethiopia could not hang on to an early lead

Ethiopia 1 (Andargachew 4pen) Ecuador 2 (Mina 25, Guagua 63)

Rank outsiders Ethiopia gave Ecuador a shock before the South Americans roused themselves in the second half to take all three points in Group E at the Under-20 World Cup.

Ethiopia, first-timers in the competition, surprised Ecuador in the opening 45 minutes with flashes of fancy footwork and crisp one-touch passing while applying early pressure.

They took the lead in the fourth minute after being awarded a penalty kick when a cross by midfielder Belay Fekadu brushed the arm of defender Javier Intriago, and Solomon Andargachew easily converted.

But Ecuador were level in the 25th minute, when Roberto Mina capitalised on a poor back-pass to keeper Adugna Deyes.

Ethiopia tiring

However, Deyes denied the same player just before half-time, turning away the first shot and a rebound after Mina had broken between two defenders.

Ecuador kept on top in the second half, helped by attack-minded substitutions.

Jorge Guagua grabbed the winner on 63 minutes and nearly scored another three minutes later as a tiring Ethiopia failed to find a way back.

The Africans' hopes were finally dashed when defender Tesfaye Kefyalew was shown the red card with two minutes left.

Ethiopia face Costa Rica on Thursday in a game they must win to maintain their hopes of staying in the tournament.

Ethiopia: Deyes, Zewdu, Yonas, Kefyalew, Bekele, Fekadu, Getu, Ashenafi (capt), Dawit (Yordanos, 74), Andargachew (Ismael 61), Hussen
Subs not used: Solomon (GK), Ermias, Getahun, Berihanu, Hailu