The 2017/18 Ethiopian Premier League season got underway on Saturday, November 4 with three games taking place as Jimma Aba Jifar and Woldia bagged a win while ArbaMinch Ketema were held to a barren draw against Mekele Ketema.
Woldia 2-0 Adama Ketema
Woldia trainer Zemariam Woldegiorgis stared off his stint at the Wolo club with a maiden win in the league as his charges struck twice in the last 20 minutes to secure maximum points over Adama Ketema. A minute of silence was observed for the demised former Woldia player and coach Mehari Amede prior to the kick off. The first interval was not an entertaining affair at all. In the 73rd minute a foul on Fitsum Gebremariam rewarded the home side a penalty which veteran striker Andualem Nigusse stepped in and opened the scoring to put Woldia ahead. Dawa Hotessa came the closest for the away side to level matters after he beat three Woldia players but his strike was well saved by goalie Emekrel Bilinge. In the dying moments of the game Togolese Edem Hosorouvi puts the game to bed with a clinical finish.
Jimma Aba Jifar 2-0 Hawassa Ketema
Premier league newcomers Jimma Aba Jifar brushed aside Hawassa Ketema in a game played out in Jimma. Aba Jifar have managed to triumph their first ever premier league game. Jimma Aba Jifar left in late to overcome Hawassa Ketema at home as Nigerian striker Jack Okiki Afolabi struck a brace in his league debut. The homers were the better side of the first 45 with Afolabi spearheading their attack while Hawassa visibly struggled to create goal scoring chances. The visitors introduced veteran midfielder Mulualem Regassa in the second interval and the changes made had an impact as they created some good scoring chances to open the scoring. In the 89th minute a long ball from Yehune Endeshaw found Afolabi who slotted home to break the deadlock. The goal was contested by Hawassa players citing the Nigerian import was offside. Temsgen Gebrekidane set up Afolabi to complete his brace.
ArbaMinch Ketema 0-0 Mekele Ketema
ArbaMinch Ketema were forced to a barren draw against newbies Mekele Ketema in ArbaMinch. The away side salvaged a point from ArbaMinch in a very dull game. The home side failed to penetrate the visitor’s strong backline as the game elapsed in a goalless draw. Werkyitadel Abebe heads inches wide in the 38th minute as Tsegaye Kidanemariam’s charges came very close to break the deadlock. Nigerian striker Lucky Bariledum Sunny rattled the bar in the second half with a fine strike for the homer; however ArbaMinch failed to get maximum points in the season opener. Mekele Ketema player and coach Yohannis Sahle is content with their maiden point in the league while coach Tesgaye expressed his disappointment with the home draw.
Newly promoted side Welwalo Adigart University lock horns against Fasil Ketema on the only premier league duel of the day on Sunday, November 5 in Adigrat.
Week 1 Results
Woldia SC 2-0 Adama Ketema
ArbaMinch Ketema 0-0 Mekele Ketema
Jimma Aba Jifar 2-0 Hawassa Ketema
Sunday, November 5, 2017
3:00 – Welwalo Adigrat University vs. Fasil Ketema (Adigart)
Monday, November 6, 2017
5:30 – Dedebit vs. Wolaitta Dicha (Addis Ababa)
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
5:30 – Ethio-Electric vs. Mekelakeya (Addis Ababa)
Ethiopia Bunna PP. Sidama Bunna
Kidus Giorgis PP. Dire Dawa Ketema
