Reigning Ethiopian Premier League champions Kidus Giorgis pip rivals and second placed Dedebit 3-2 to open a seven point difference at the top in the week 17 duel in Addis Ababa Stadium.
The Horsemen managed to open a 3 goals cushion but the Blues narrowly missed a remarkable comeback after netting twice in space on 1 minute. The homers were superior in their offensive play while the visitors opted for a more defensive approach in the first interval. Burkinabe winger Prince Wango set up veteran striker Salahdin Said to fire past Dedebit custodian Clement Azonto in the 15 minute. Kidus Giorgis doubled their lead through Mentesenote Adane’s superb header minute later the half hour mark.
A Behailu Assefa free kick was not cleared by Azonto as center back Salahdin Bargicho rattled the bar. Nonetheless, striker Salahdin completed his brace with a rebound in the 51st minute to make it 3-0. With the 3 goals cushion Kidus Giorgis looked settled while Dedebit pushed to get goals. Getaneh Kebede struck a beautiful free kick from 20 meters out in the 71st minute. A minute later first half substitute Solomon Habte’s delivery to the danger zone was turned in by Kidus Giorgis’s Abebaw Butako for an own goal. The two goals inspired Dedebit to get the leveler but a second yellow for team captain Birhanu Bogale halted their approach massively.
Kidus Giorgis sits at the summit of the log table with 35 points. Dedeibt occupies second with 28 points as Sidama Bunna are third with the same point tally. Sidama Bunna will be playing at home on Sunday against Adama Ketema.
Getaneh Kebede leads the top goal scoring chart with 12 goals. Kidus Giorgis duo Adane Girma and Salahdin Said follows second after bagging 9 goals. Fitsum Gebremariam of Ethio-Electric is third with 7 goals.
Week 17 Fixtures and Result
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Kidus Giorgis 3-2 Dedebit
Sunday, March 5, 2017
15:00 – Ethio-Electric vs. Dire Dawa Ketema (Addis Ababa Stadium)
15:00 – Hawassa Ketema vs. Ethiopia Nigd Bank (Hawassa)
15:00 – Woldia SC vs. ArbaMinch Ketema (Mohammed Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi Stadium)
15:00 – Sidama Bunna vs. Adama Ketema (Yirgalem)
15:00 – Wolaitta Dicha vs. Fasil Ketema (Sodo Stadium)
15:00 – Jimma Aba Bunna vs. Addis Ababa Ketema (Jimma Stadium)
17:30 – Ethiopia Bunna vs. Mekelakeya (Addis Ababa Stadium)
