First half goals from Dawit Estifanos and Biruk Ayele sees Ethio-Electric go through to the semifinal of the Addis Ababa City Cup. Ethio-Electric brush Jimma Aba Bunna aside 2-1 on a crucial group A game while Kidus Giorgis and Mekelakeya played out a barren draw.
Ethio-Electric edged out Jimma Aba Bunna 2-1 in the decisive encounter. The two times Ethiopia Premier League Champions Electric started off the tie on a bright note as a well-executed volley from Dawit Estifanos struck the upright seconds after the kickoff. Aba Bunna found themselves trailing when Ibrahim Fofano squared a superb ball to Dawit who slotted home easily from close range in the 17th minute. Ugandan Krizisto Nitambi almost put the West Ethiopian side on level terms with a powerful long range drive which went wide off the target. Electric doubled their lead in the 37th minute through Biruk Ayele. Biruk chipped the ball over the rushing goalie to put Electric 2-0 up before the interval.
Jimma Aba Bunna managed to halve the score four minutes from time when Tedros Tadesse headed home a rebound from Ame Mohammed’s shot which was saved by Electric’s goalie Souliman Aboubakheri.
Old foes Kidus Giorgis and Mekelakeya settled for a goalless draw. The duel had no meaning to the Horsemen as they booked their semifinal slot after seeing off Jimma Aba Bunna on Tuesday. Maraki Worku was unlucky to see his goal bound strike cleared off the line by Mentesenote Adane in the first interval. Kidus Giorgis came very close to take the lead three minute after the hour mark when a Mehari Mena’s left footed shot denied by Mekelakeya goalie Yidnekachew Kidane. Second half substitute Ramkel Lok had a glorious chance after being set up by Behailu Assefa but the striker squandered the opportunity after he shots wide. Mekelakeya’s forward Samuel Saliso should have sealed the win for the army side in the stoppage time but he sent the ball way over the bar.
Kidus Giorgis and Ethio-Electric went through to the semis while Mekelakeya and Jimma Aba Bunna bundled out the tourney early in the group stages. The City Cup continues on Sunday as Addis Ababa Ketema host Adama Ketema and Dedebit facing Ethiopia Nigd Bank in the later kickoff.
