In a rescheduled week 1 tie defending champions Kidus Giorgis missed out on a chance to close gap on leaders Dedebit as they played out a one all draw against strugglers Dire Dawa Ketema on Thursday, February 1 at the Addis Ababa Stadium. A second half free kick goal from veteran defender Abebaw Butako saved blushes for the Horsemen after Kwame Atram’s opener in the first interval.
It was the homers who triggered their first shot on target as Menetesenote Adane’s long range effort sailed wide. Nonetheless, the duel kick offed with a slow tempo while scoring chances were limited throughout the first half. Ghanaian Atram gave the Easterners the lead through a beautifully taken free kick from 30 meters out in the 28th minute. Six minutes later Zelalem Esayas tested Kidus Giorgis goalie Robert Odongkara from distance. Dire Dawa took a surprising and slander lead into the second half where fans at Katanga and Mismar Tera section were seen throwing objects for another uncalled for confrontation. Security forces eventually managed to contain the problem.
Kidus Giorgis came out the stronger of the two sides in the second half while Dire Dawa opted to sit back and defend their precious lead likewise tried to counter attack the reigning champions. Abebaw restored parity for the home side with a well taken free kick minute after the hour mark. Dire Dawa trainer Simon Abaye protested the decision that Atram was fouled in Kidus Giorgis’s half before the home side pulled themselves back to the game. Match referee sent off the former Ethio-Electric striker turned coach from the dugout for dissent. Burkinabe Abulkerim Nikima and second half substitute Adane Girma came very close to struck the winner while Anagaw Badege and Zelalem were unlucky to see their efforts became futile.
Kidus Giorgis sits second with 21 points, 4 behind leaders Dedebit. Dire Dawa Ketema are 14th with 10 points.
