Saint George S.C. scored a goal in each half to sink KMKM 2-1 in the first preliminary round first leg fixture of the Caf Champions League in Zanzibar on Friday.

Binyam Dante scored the opener in the 38th minute before Natnael Zaleke powered home the second in the 57th minute and though the home side pulled a goal back courtesy of Salum Salum in the 73rd minute, St. George held on to register the away win ahead of the return leg set for Ethiopia after a fortnight.

The visiting side from Ethiopia looked the better side from the opening exchanges and they should have taken an early lead when Damte rounded off the KMKM keeper but hit the upright for a goal-kick. However, the Horsemen were rewarded with six minutes left to the half-time break when a move started from the back fell in the legs of Dante, who curled a low right-footed effort to the right corner of the net for a 1-0 lead at the break.

St. George almost doubled their lead immediately after the second period got underway but another chance fell to Dante, whose header went inches wide. However, in the 57th minute, Zeleke punished KMKM’s poor defending to double the Horsemen’s lead.

A quick throw inside the KMKM box was not cleared by the defenders and Zeleke pounced in time to slot it home. With 13 minutes to the final whistle, KMKM reduced the deficit when they were awarded a penalty. Salum stepped up to score and though they put pressure to level matters, St. George held on to carry the day.