Kidus Giorgis defeated old rivals Mekelakeya 4-3 on penalties after a one all draw in the regulation time. The Horsemen custodian Zerihun Tadele saved two crucial penalties to send the traveling Giorgis fans to frenzy.
Both sides were in pursuit of the league cup glory as they rubbed shoulders at the Adama Abebe Bikila Stadium, albeit The Army side dominated the proceedings in the opening minutes of the duel. Adane Girma couldn’t register a shot on target after Mekelakeya goalie Jemal Tassew’s blunder in the fifth minute. In the 14th minute a foul on Samuel Saliso resulted a free kick 20 meters out and Samuel made the opportunity count with a fantastic goal to hand Mekelakeya the lead.
Mekelakeya forward Samuel caused havoc in Giorgis’s defense with his blistering pace. Firew Solomon failed to finish off a great delivery from the on fire Samuel 7 minutes later. Kidus Giorgis tried to level matters with efforts through Salahdin Said, Mehari Menna and Natnael Zeleke, nonetheless it was futile. Adane was unlucky to see his goal bound header parried away by Jemal in the closing stage of the interval.
Kidus Giorgis opted for a more offensive tactic after the recess. Five minutes later Salahdin failed to convert a glorious chance as he skied the ball over the cross bar from close range. The Horsemen ultimately equalized through Adane, who converted a penal after a Mohammed Nasser’s handball in the box in the 57th minute. Samuel’s curling effort should have been the winner for Mekelakeya as it hits the upright in the 77th minute. Kidus Giorgis reduced to 10 men when the 2015/16 season MVP Asechalew Tamene sent off in the closing stage of the tie.
The scores tied up at 1-1, the teams went straight to penalty shootouts as Giorgis emerged victorious 4-3. Giorgis goalkeeper Zerihun saved penalties from Tedros Tafesse and Tedros Bekele to send his team to a league double after 7 years. Kidus Giorgis have now won their 11th League Cup.
