Action from the 2016/2017 Ethiopian Premier League continued on Sunday as 6 matches were played across the country on matchday 2 of the 7th week.
Two matches were played at Addis Ababa Stadium with the earlier kickoff seeing Dedebit beat Addis Ababa Ketema 1-0 to get the all important 3 points and remain rooted at the center of the race for the top spot. Winger Efrem Ashamo came off the bench to net the crucial goal in the 85th minute and lift his side above their opponents.
Ethiopia Nigd Bank played hosts to Arbaminch Ketema looking to extend their run of 2 consecutive victories by beating their midtable rivals, but could only manage a point after the match ended 2-2. Arbaminch Ketema had a bright start to their game as Wondimeneh Zerihun gave the visitors the lead in the 5th minute. Tadeos Wolde did equalize in the 30th minute, only for Amele Milkias to restore Arbaminch’s lead from the penalty spot 5 minutes later. Nigd Bank left it late to level matters, Addisu Seifu ‘s successful spot kick in injury time ensuring a point for Tsegaye Kidanemariam’s side.
Newly promoted Fasil Kenema, touted as the surprise packages of the season after their victories over big guns Kidus Giorgis and Ethiopia Bunna in earlier fixtures, certainly lived up to their billing as they were able to beat Jimma Aba Bunna 3-1 away from home. The ‘Emperors’, as the team from Gondar are known, buoyed by the return of their coach Zemariam Woldegiorgis to the touchline after his successful surgery, scored their goals through Efrem Alemu, Solomon Gebremedhin and Edom Housourvi with Surafel Awel getting the consolation for the home side.
Elsewhere, Adama Ketema run out 1-0 victors against Hawassa Ketema thanks to a solitary strike from Mujib Kassim, while the game between Woldia SC and Sidama Bunna at Woldia Melkaqole Stadium, and the match between Ethiopia Bunna and Diredawa Ketema in Abebe Bikilla Stadium ending in barren draws.
Following the results of week 7, Kidus Giorgis, Dedebit and Adama Ketema sit at the top of the standings table with 14 points each, separated by their goal difference. Dark horses Fasil Ketema, Sidama Bunna and army side Mekelakeya occupy the next 3 positions, albeit with Fasil having one game in hand. Hawassa Ketema, Addis Ababa Ketema, and Ethio Electric occupy the relegation zone.
