The second round of the topflight league has kicked off after a brief repose as Jimma Aba Bunna hold Ethio-Electric to a goalless score while Ethiopia Nigd Bank and Woldia settled for a barren draw in Addis Ababa Stadium.
Ethiopia Nigd Bank started off their second half of the season campaign with a disappointing draw against newcomers Woldia. The homers needed maximum points to get out of the drop zone but failed to penetrate their opponent’s strong defensive line. The visitors were the better side in the first interval; however they should little to get a goal. Veteran striker Andualem Nigusse skied a good opportunity after Nigid Bank custodian left his goal line in the 21st minute. The Bankers on their behalf had chances to score through Nigerian Peter Nuwadke, Biniam Belay and Fikreysus Tweldebirhan where all the attempts were squandered. Woldia goalie Emrekel Bilinge did superbly to deny Peter and Fikreysus in the game. Nigd Bank managed to grasp a point in Sisay Kebede’s first game in charge of the club following head coach Tsegaye Kidanmariam parted ways with the Addis Ababa outfit. They still occupy 15th with 14 points while Woldia sits 8th with 20 points.
Ethio-Electric and Jimma Aba Bunna settled for a point each after they ended their tie in a goalless draw. The West Ethiopian side was the better of the two sides having a larger ball possession in the first half. Ame Mohammed and Dawit Tefera came very close to hand Aba Bunna the lead in the first 45 through some wonderful strikes from range. Ethio-Electric got back on track in the second half as they dominated the proceedings. Behailu Teshagere and Fitsum Gebremariam failed to connect some glorious chances during the second 45 as Aba Bunna salvage a vital single point away from home. The result saw Jimma Aba Bunna occupying 14th place in the log table with 14 points. Ethio-Electric are 11th with 16 points.
Remaining 6 week 16 games will be played today across the country. Table toppers Kidus Giorgis travel to ArbaMinch as they play ArbaMinch Ketema in a crunch duel. Fresh from their CAF Totla Champions League preliminary round triumph the Horsemen are expected to face a fierce opposition against the Crocodiles. The weekend’s biggest clash is between Ethiopia Bunna and Dedebit. Only three points separate the two sides. Fasil Ketema host Sidama Bunna in Gondar. Fasiledes have been a fortress for the Gondar side as they lose ones at home this season. Sidama Bunna have a poor record in away outings this premier league season. In relegation dogfight Abebe Bikila Memorial Stadium hosts its last game of the season when Addis Ababa Ketema entertains Hawassa Ketema. The stadium will be closed for refurbishment this season. Dire Dawa Ketema will be hoping for a better outing when they face Adama Ketema. Adama Ketema coach Ashenafi Bekele, who will be talking over the national team job, will be having his last day at the helm of Adama. Mekelakeya, who were bow out of the CAF Total Confederations Cup last weekend, and Wolaitta Dicha square off in Addis Ababa Stadium.
Week 16 Results and Fixtures
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Ethiopia Nigd Bank 0-0 Woldia
Ethio-Electric 0-0 Jimma Aba Bunna
Sunday, February 26, 2017
15:00 – Dedebit vs. Ethiopia Bunna (Addis Ababa Stadium)
15:00 – ArbaMinch Ketema vs. Kidus Giorgis (ArbaMinch Stadium)
15:00 – Fasil Ketema vs. Sidama Bunna (Fasiledes Stadium)
16:00 – Addis Ababa Ketema vs. Hawassa Ketema (Abebe Bikila Memorial Stadium)
16:00 – Dire Dawa Ketema vs. Adama Ketema (Dire Dawa Stadium)
17:30 – Mekelakeya vs. Wolaitta Dicha (Addis Ababa Stadium)
