A goal each from Elmutasem Abushnaf and Abdel Salam Omar was enough for Libya to outsmart Ethiopia 2-0 in their African Nations Championship Group C encounter in Bloemfontein.
It was a debut for Ethiopia in the CHAN event while Libya returned to the competition for the second time since the very first event in 2009 in Cote d'Ivoire where they failed to make it out of the group stage.
Libya started the better side and took an early lead when Elmutasem Abushnaf ran into the danger area and unleashed a powerful strike that flew past Jemal Bushra in goal.
After the early goal Libya continued to add pressure and created several chances, which showed the Ethiopian defence to be quite shaky at times.
In the 27th minute Ethiopia went close to a leveller as Demessie turned and volleyed from a very tight angle and could not keep his shot down or get it on target.
Ethiopia tried to force a comeback towards the end of the half, but Libya nearly scored a second in the 40th minute when Fetori’s free kick was fumbled and then gathered by the Ethiopian goalkeeper.
In the 58th minute Ethiopia wasted a glorious chance to equalise as Manyane Abera burst towards goal, but only managed to his sky his effort over the bar.
Then in the 83rd minute substitute Omar got a second for Libya when he outwitted his marker before placing the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0.