Round 7of the Ethiopian Premier League has kicked off with two games being played as Kidus Giorgis and Mekelakeya emerged victorious at the Addis Ababa Stadium. Table toppers Kidus Giorgis brushed Wolaitta Dicha aside whilst Samuel Taye’s late goal handed Mekelakeya a vital win over Ethio-Electric. A one minute moment of silence was observed for Ethiopian athletics legend Miruts Yifter, who passed away aged 74 in Canada after a long illness, before the games kicked off.
Kidus Giorgis beat Wolaitta Dicha 2-0 to end their three games winless streak at the Addis Ababa Stadium. The club’s Dutch coach Mart Nooji was under an immense pressure from fans following his charges disappointing display in the last three league games. Abubakher Sani scored an early goal to hand the Horsemen the lead 6th minute to the game from close range. Second half substitute Adane Girma struck the second 11 minutes from time through a superb volley after collecting a cross from Ramkel Lok. The Sodo outfit failed to get a single shoot on target. The homers on the other side squandered multiple goal scoring chances. Salahdin Said and Abebaw Butako missed a good goal scoring chances in each half. The win took Kidus Giorgis three points clear at the top.
Army side Mekelakeya fought back to pip Ethio-Electric 2-1. Ethio-Electric’s winless streak continued as Mekelakeya’s recent surge put them on 11 points, three points shy of the log leaders. Ivorian striker Ibrahim Fofana struck first for Electric when he dribbled past his marker before firing past Mekelakeya goalie Abel Mamo in the 19th minute. Tewdros Bekele put Mekelakeya on level terms in the 68th minute before Samuel Taye scored the winner at the end of the regular time from range to hand the Army maximum points. Ethio-Electric have not won a game in their last 7 opening league ties.
