Hawassa Kenema vs. Wolaitta Dicha
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
5:00, Addis Abeba Stadium
The EFF Cup second semi-final will face off the two South Ethiopia based clubs Hawassa Kenema and Wolaitta Dicha. Hawassa are hoping to be in the final after 7 years absence while Dicha never been in the final before.
Current Status
Hawassa Kenema will start the new season without making a major change on the squad. Coach Webetu Abate had a chance to reshuffle the squad. It will be Webetu’s first full season with Hawassa after he took over the helm midway through to premier league last season.
The premier league winner coach Webetu told Soccer Ethiopia they are ready for the game. “We started our preparation a little late. The players are in good shape. We need some time to reorganize the squad and we are working to do that.”
Hawassa Kenema has been preparing at Hawassa. They played two friendly games thus far against premier league side Ethiopia Bunna.
Wolitta Dicha lost key players during the summer transfer window. The club revitalizes the squad for the new season. Dicha also extended the contract of Coach Mesay Teferi and signed a couple of players from the National League. The club has been preparing for the new season and the semi-final game camping at Sodo.
Coach Mesay speaking exclusively to Soccer Ethiopia said a lot of people may doubt his squad but he build a team that can disprove doubters. “People doubt us because we let go off our key players during the transfer window. However, we have signed good players and promoted talented players from the youth team. We are ready for the game.”
Wolitta Dicha lost 2-1 to ArbaMinch Kenema on their last friendly game.
Injury and Suspension
Hawassa’s defender Addisalem Tesfaye is suspended for the semi-final game. Meanwhile striker Temesgen Tekele and playmaker Tafesse Solomon are not available for Hawassa because of injury.
Wolitta Dicha’s Abdulkerim Jemal is out of the game after sustaining an injury during preseason preparation.
Key Battles
Tewodros Mengesha vs. Girma Bekele
Tewodros Mengesha had been terrific for Hossana Kenema in the National League. He played a vital role in Hossana’s promotion to the premier league. His extraordinary from earned him a move to Wolaitta Dicha. Tewodros has a blistering pace and unanticipated movement. He is also good at creating a goal scoring chances. In the contrary Hawassa’s center back the veteran Girma Bekele is well known for his timely tackles and leadership of the defense.
Bereket Yisak vs. Tekelu Tafesse
Bereket Yisak returned home after 3 years at Addis Abeba. Since Temesgen Tekele won’t play on the semi-final Hawassa will be looking towards Bereket to get the much needed goals. Tekelu Taffese has a huge responsibility of leading Wolaitta Dicha’s defense that totally weakened after key players left the club. Tekelu should be in good form to combat the attacking treat coming from Bereket Yisak and Gadissa Mebrate.
How did they come?
Hawassa Kenema beat Dedebit 3-2 on penalties after the game ended in stalemate on January. In the quarter final they manage to beat Ethiopia Bunna thanks to a brace from Temesgen Tekele.
Wolaitta Dicha started their EFF Cup campaign by overcoming Adama Kenema 2-1. In the quarter final Dicha surpassed Electric. Alazar Fasika’s lone goal was enough to ensure Wolitta Dicha their first EFF Cup semi-final since establishment.
Facts
-If Hawassa Kenema beat Wolaitta Dicha to progress to the final, it will be their first major final after the 2007/08 season. In 2007/08 season Hawassa Kenema lost 2-1 to Ethiopia Bunna in the EFF Cup final.
-If Wolitta Dicha wins the game, it will be their first EFF Cup final since inception. Dicha established in June 2009.
-If Wolitta Dicha able to reach EFF Cup final, they will be the first Wolaitta Zone club in 18 years to reach the final. In 1996/97 season the now fragile Wolaitta Tusa won the EFF Cup since then no Wolaitta Zone side ever reached the EFF Cup final.
-Hawassa Kenema won EFF Cup in 2004/05 season after beating Mekelakeya. Meanwhile Wolaitta Dicha never won the EFF Cup.
Last 3 EFF Cup Games Result
Hawassa Kenema – L-D-W
Wolitta Dicha – L-W-W
