A seven season stay in the Ethiopian Premier League has came to end for ArbaMinch Ketema on Saturday, July 14. A crucial win over the already relegated Woldia SC confirmed the league safety of Wolaitta Dicha in round 30 of the Ethiopian Premier League.
ArbaMinch Ketema have secured a slim win over Fasil Ketema at home but it was not enough to save their day. Fikadu Mekonnen’s 24th minute strike gave the Crocodiles a 1-0 win over the Emperors in ArbaMinch. Nonetheless, the club have been relegated to the second tier league. ArbaMinch Ketema secured promotion to the topflight league in 2011/12 season. They have had a relative smooth season for the first three seasons. However, frequent changes in the technical bench and poor club administration have led them to be strugglers in the past 3 seasons. The Crocodiles appointed coaches five times in the last three seasons after former ArbaMinch Textile player Alemayehu Abayneh left the helm to take a post at Sidama Bunna. ArbaMinch Ketema collected 33 points from 30 rounds while Fasil Ketema wrapped up the season being 7th.
Wolaitta Dicha were too good for Woldia SC. The Bees of Tona thrashed Woldia 3-0 in Sebeta. One of the most sought after striker Togolese Arafat Djako grabbed a brace whilst Webeshet Alemayehu getting the other goal. The win helped Wolaitta Dicha to finish 10th with 35 points above Mekelakeya.
Elsewhere Ethio-Electric defeats Sidama Bunna 2-1 in Adama. Ghanaian import Kalusha Alhassan and Ivorian winger Didier Lebri struck for the two times Ethiopian Premier League champions while center back Abebe Tilahun pulled one back for the Yiregalem outfit 9 minutes to full time.
The game between Wolwalo Adigrat University and Dire Dawa Ketema has been aborted three minutes following the hour mark due to a waterlogged pitch. Ethio-Electric’s survival from relegation now solely depends on the outcome of the Adigart game. The tie set to resume Sunday, 15th of July, morning.
On Friday Ethiopia Bunna brushed Mekele Ketema aside 3-2 in Addis Ababa to finish third in the league. Asnake Moges, Iyassu Tamiru and team captain Mesude Mohammed found the back of the net for Bunna. Former Ethiopia Bunna midfielder Gatoch Panom struck a concelation for the newly promoted side.
Dedebit finished the season on high following a 3-2 win over Mekelakeya. Solomon Habte struck twice while Abel Yalew scored ones on the Blues win. Center back Addisu Tesfaye late brace saved the Army side from losing in a big margin.
The title decider encounters are set to take place on Monday, July 16. Jimma Aba Jifar and Kidus Giorgis are fighting to be crowned champions of the 2017/18 season. The Horsemen host Hawassa Ketema in Addis Ababa. Aba Jifar are at home against Adama Ketema.
Week 30 Results and Fixtures
Mekelakeya 2-3 Dedebit
Ethiopia Bunna 3-1 Mekele Ketema
Woldia SC 0-3 Wolaitta Dicha
ArbaMinch Ketema 1-0 Fasil Ketema
Ethio-Electric 2-1 Sidama Bunna
Wolwalo Adigrat University 0-0 Dire Dawa Ketema * (Game aborted due to heavy downpour in the 63rd minute)
Monday, July 16/2018
2:00 – Jimma Aba Jifar vs. Adama Ketema (Jimma Stadium)
2-00 – Kidus Giorgis vs. Hawassa Ketema (Addis Ababa Stadium)
