Ethiopian Premier League record champions Kidus Giorgis were held to a one all draw against Jimma Aba Bunna in the last round 12 encounter in Addis Ababa Stadium. With the draw Kidus Giorgis missed out on a chance to go top of the log table.
Jimma Aba Bunna were brilliant in going forward with their counter attacks in the first interval as the homers struggled. Kidane Assefa struck to give the West Ethiopian side the lead in the 36th minute when he sent a powerful shot 18 meters out. Kidus Giorgis had to wait till the 69th minute to level matters when Salahdin Said scored an easy ball after a scramble in the goalmouth. Both sides could have won the game but they failed to convert some pretty simple opportunities later in the duel.
Kidus Giorgis fans at Katanga sits flaunted a banner that reads ‘Mart Nooji Out’. Kidus Giorgis players have also jeered the players and coaching staff. The Dutch manager Nooji has been under a heavy criticism and boos’ midway through the premier League season following a below par performance from the team. Assistant manager Fasil Tekalegn in a post-match presser stated that hearing protests and complaints from the fans are often when the team fails to play better.
Jimma Aba Bunna head coach Dereje Belay has on his behalf told reporters it is his last game with the club. The coach was seen sending farewells to the traveling Aba Bunna fans after the tie ended. The coach further noted it has become extremely hard for him to work with Jimma Aba Bunna so he decided to leave his post. Earlier last week Jimma Aba Bunna have sent a warning letter to coach Dereje following a run of poor results. Jimma Aba Bunna are 14th with 10 points while Kidus Giorgis are third with 22 points.
Week 12 Results
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Dire Dawa Ketema 0-0 Mekelakeya
Fasil Ketema 0-1 Dedebit
Adama Ketema 2-1 ArbaMinch Ketema
Sidama Bunna 1-0 Ethiopia Nigd Bank
Wolaitta Dicha 0-1 Addis Ababa Ketema
Ethiopia Bunna 0-0 Ethio-Electric
Woldia SC 2-1 Hawassa Ketema
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Kidus Giorgis 1-1 Jimma Aba Bunna
Week 13 Fixtures
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
15:00 – Ethiopia Nigd Bank vs. Wolaitta Dicha (Addis Ababa Stadium)
16:00 – Addis Ababa Ketema vs. Ethiopia Bunna (Abebe Bikila Memorial Stadium)
17:30 – Mekelakeya vs. Fasil Ketema (Addis Ababa Stadium)
Thursday, January 26, 2017
15:00 – Hawassa Ketema vs. Dire Dawa Ketema (Hawassa)
15:00 – Jimma Aba Bunna vs. Woldia SC (Jimma Stadium)
15:00 – Ethio-Electric vs. Kidus Giorgis (Addis Ababa Stadium)
15:00 – ArbaMinch Ketema vs. Sidama Bunna (ArbaMinch)
17:30 – Dedebit vs. Adama Ketema (Addis Ababa Stadium)
