The annual preseason tournament of the Debube Castle Cup came to conclusion in Hawassa International Stadium on Saturday as Sidama Bunna have been crowned champions after beating ArbaMinch Ketema whilst Dire Dawa Ketema finished off the tourney on high note after securing the third spot.
Dire Dawa Ketema beat Ethiopia Bunna 2-1 to win the third place playoffs. Goals from Fikadu Worku and Tewodros Hussein handed the Easterners a two goals cushion before the interval. Bunna manage to pull one back through summer arrival Samuel Sanumi in the 56th minute but failed to struck any further goal as they lost the playoffs.
In heavily contested final Sidama Bunna came from behind to beat ArbaMinch Ketema 3-1. ArbaMinch took an early lead 6 minute after the onset through the ex Hawassa Ketema, Electric and Adama Ketema midfielder Wendemeneh Zerihun. Sidama Bunna winger Addis Gidey canceled out Wendemeneh’s strike a minute later. After the recess Sidama Bunna came out with a strong attacking attitude and got rewarded as Addis struck the second in the 46th minute. Addis sealed the win in the dying moment of the game when Addis grabbed a hat trick through a spectacular fashion. Sidama Bunna started off their Castle Cup campaign losing 4-1 to Ethiopia Bunna but managed to go all the way to the final.
Addis has won two individual awards as he took home the ‘Most Valuable Player’ and top goal scorer award after bagging 4 goals. Sidama Bunna coach Alemayehu Abayeneh voted as coach of the tourney while Ethiopia Bunna custodian Yohannes Bezabeh won the goalkeeper award. The Debube Castle Cup attracted 7 Ethiopian Premier League clubs including 3 invited clubs namely Ethiopia Bunna, Fasil Ketema and Dire Dawa Ketema.
The Dedube Castle Cup is brought to you by the four Star Central Hawassa Hotel. Soccer Ethiopia would like to thank Central Hawassa Hotel for assisting us during the tournament.
