In week 14 Ethiopian Premier League encounter ArbaMinch Ketema and Mekele Ketema registered vital wins over their opponents in games played out at ArbaMinch and Addis Ababa.
ArbaMinch Ketema continued on their recent impressive form when they brush aside Dire Dawa Ketema 1-0. The Crocodiles managed to get three points off the Easterners in a relegation dogfight. The homers piled on an early pressure in the opening 20 minutes and were very close to take the lead through Alelegn Azene’s goal bound effort. Nonetheless, Ethiopian international Jemal Tassew was equal to the task. Midfielder Tsegaye Abera, a key player in this ArbaMinch side, strikes wide before he set up Alelegn to open the score. Tsegaye dribble past his markers and squared a ball to Alelegn to slot home in the 35th minute. Dire Dawa Ketema tried to get the equalizer but failed to get any clear scoring chances.
In the second interval Dire Dawa dominated the proceeding while ArbaMinch lacked an initiative to get more goals. Even though Dire Dawa players saw much of the possession in the second half, creating chances were still the problems of the side.
ArbaMinch Ketema are 12th for the time being and out of the relegation zone with 13 points. Dire Dawa Ketema’s winless streak extended to 10 matches in a row as they are 15th with 10 points. Since hiring Eyob Maale as a head trainer ArbaMinch won twice and draw once to secure 7 points from three outings.
Mekele Ketema left it late to beat strugglers Ethio-Electric 2-1 in Addis Ababa. Electric yet again persisted on their unimpressive form and are dangling rock bottom which seem to be another disappointing half season from the capital city outfit. Mekele coach Yohannis Sahle led his charges as he filed a complaint for the Appeal Committee over his five games suspension due to unsupportive behavior. The former Ethiopian national team trainer was suspended for five games after failing out with Sidama Bunna technical staff members but till the Appeal Committee reviews his complaint. Guys Bismark was fouled inside the area by Electric goalie Yohannis Bezabeh as the away side got a penalty in the half hour mark. Amanuel Gebremikael made no mistake to put Mekele ahead in the 31st minute. Six minutes later Teklu Tesfaye restored parity for Electric after Mekele defenders failed to clear out a delivery from Ivorian import Didier Lebri. The homers were on hunt for a second goal and Lebri was unlucky to see his goal bound strike sailing over the cross the bar before the end of the first interval.
In the second half Ethio-Electric were the dominant forces as Mekele Ketema opted to defend and counter attack. Both sides had chances to go ahead but it was the away side who took off maximum points at the end. Amanuel completed his brace four minutes before time to hand vital win for the newcomers.
Mekele Ketema are second with 24 points, one point drift off leaders Dedebit. Meanwhile, the result left Ethio-Electric last with 9 points. Ethio-Electric are winless in their last five duels. The club hired ex Ethiopian national team coach Ashenafi Bekele midway to the first half of the season but the coach yet to get his first win in charge of Electric.
