The 2016/17 Ethiopian Premier League week 2 fixtures kicked off on Saturday in Addis Ababa Stadium as Mekelakeya earned a hard fought 2 all draw against Ethiopia Bunna.
Ethiopia Bunna suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Dedebit while Mekelakeya came empty handed from their Sodo trip after a 2-0 loss to Wolaiatta Dicha on the season opener. With a loss at their backs both clubs contested to take home all the three points however they have settled for a 2-2 stalemate.
A moment of silence has been observed in the stadium for the later Hawassa Ketema goalie Kibreab Dawit, who tragically lost his life this week. Bunna’s winger Asechalew Girma brilliantly lost his markers but his goal bound strike was denied by Mekelakeya’s custodian Yidnekachew Kidane 13 minutes after the onset. Minyelu Wendimu, who happens to be making his season debut after a long-term absence due to injury, squandered a great chance to hand the Army side the lead at the half hour mark as a superb build up left him one on one with Yohannis Bezabeh. Ethiopia Bunna had also their opportunity to break the deadlock as Nigerian forward Samuel Sanumi saw his effort saved by Yidenekachew two minutes from the break.
Ethiopia Bunna piled the pressure on after the recess and were rewarded a penalty in the 51st minute for a handball inside the area. Gatoch Panom step up and successfully converted the spot kick to hand Bunna the lead. The visitors grew in confidence and pushed forward to double their advantage but they found themselves on plight after Sanumi received his marching order for a second booking three minutes following the hour mark. Mekelakeya’s captain Mikael Desta leveled matters through a superb header two minutes later. Ethiopia Bunna yet again retook the lead in the 72nd minute when Cameroonian Yebune William struck a rebound after Yidenekachew denied Elias Mamo. Nonetheless, a late Maraki Worku header canceled out Williams goal as he saved the Army side from a back to back league defeat. The result meant both sides settled to share spoils as they still seek their first win of the season.
Remaining 5 league fixtures will go as planned on Sunday across the country as heavyweights Dedebit and Kidus Giorgis lock horns in the clash of the titans. Adama Ketema entertains Sidama Bunna in Adama while Premier League rookies Addis Ababa Ketema are up against other newcomers Jimma Aba Bunna. Easterners Dire Dawa Ketema hosts Ethio-Electric. ArbaMinch Ketema will vie against Woldia at home. All the games will be observing a minute of silence to honor the demised Hawassa goalie Kibreab Dawit. Due to a fatal fire accident Kiberab and his two children lost their life. The game between Hawassa Ketema and Ethiopia Nigd Bank pushed back indefinitely together with Fasil Ketema’s first home league game against Wolaitta Dicha.
Ethiopian Premier League Week 2
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Mekelakeya 2-2 Ethiopia Bunna
Sunday, November 20, 2016
15:00 – Adama Ketema vs. Sidama Bunna (Adama Abebe Bikila Stadium)
15:00 – Addis Ababa Ketema vs. Jimma Aba Bunna (Addis Ababa Stadium)
15:00 – Dire Dawa Ketema vs. Ethio-Electric (Dire Dawa Stadium)
15:00 – ArbaMinch Ketema vs. Woldia SC (ArbaMinch Stadium)
17:30 – Dedebit vs. Kidus Giorgis (Addis Ababa Stadium)
