Kidus Giorgis vs. Mekelakeya
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
3:00, Addis Abeba Stadium
This year is a historic and monumental year for Kidus Gioris and Mekelakeya as both sides look forward to celebrate their 80th and 70th year anniversary on January. Both are hoping to to embark the new season by winning the EFF Cup.
Current Status
Kidus Giorgis has been training at Adama under the new Dutch Coach Martin Koopman. Coach Martin has been preparing the team for every competition that the Horsemen Compete. The coach also prioritizes EFF Cup. The team spent the last one month at Adama. Kidus Giorgis played a friendly game against Rift Valley and won the game comprehensively 4-0.
Coach Martin Koopman told the club’s official newspaper Lesane Giorgis that his team is ready for the showdown. “First we were working on the physical fitness of the players and tactical awareness. After becoming apprehensive of the EFF Cup semi-final game fixture date we were preoccupied with getting ready of the game mentally and physically.”
Assistant coach Zerihun Shengeta told Soccer Ethiopia that the team is focused on the game. “Our club often gives priority to win the upcoming games that we play. We prepared really well for the game. The new signings and players whom got promotion from the youth squad are courageous. That is so pleasing to see.”
GebereMedhin Haile’s Mekelakeya came to game with a major change. Especially the renowned coach changed their defense. Baye Gezaghen and Carlos Dametw will add a much needed x-factor at the front for the army side.
Coach GebereMedhin speaking exclusively to Soccer Ethiopia said he needs time to reorganize that squad. “We need at least 7 weeks to assemble the squad. We started preparation early. The fixture was revealed to us at end of August while I was working on the combination of the squad. The fixture affected our preseason preparation. But I don’t want to put that as a pretext. We really want to participate on next year’s CAF Confederation Cup. Hence, we give more priority to the game.”
Mekelakeya has been preparing at Bishoftu. They played a friendly game against the Somalia national team, who camped in Addis to prepare for the 2018 Russia World Cup preliminary round game versus Niger. The game ended in a goalless stalemate.
Injury and Suspension
There are no players on both sides that are suspended. Kidus Giorgis will be without Dawa Hotesa after he sustains injury in the midst of a training session. Salahdin Bargicho and Natnael Zeleke will also miss the game after all they are in Portugal for a tryout. Behailu Assefa is doubtful for the game. Tusa had a surgery on his arm on August. He is now in good health.
Mekelakeya will be without captain Mikael Desta and new signing Million Beyene because of injury.
Key Battles
Baye Gezaghen vs. Asechalew Tamene
The two prodigies have something in common. Both of them are new to their respective clubs. They manage to play for the Ethiopia national team.
Baye last season tormented Kidus Giorigis’s backline. His pace and power disturbs the opposition defenders. Asechalew is probably one of the best defender in the country. It is expected that he would replicate his fine form at the Horsemen.
Brian Umony vs. Addisu Tesfaye
The Ugandan international striker Bian Umony is on his maiden full season with the Horseman after joining them last midterm. Fans expect a lot from Brian. Last season he scored some crucial goals for Kidus Giorgis. Addisu Tesfaye was signed from Wolitta Dicha. Addisu is strong and good at defending aerial treat. His power might be a headache for Brian.
Zekarias Tuji vs. Maraki Worku
Zekarias was last season’s the most consistent player in the league. He was so good in defending; his good form merited him a call up to the national team. Maraki on the other hand performed well after coming from injury. He scored goals and his blistering pace was something defenders couldn’t handle.
How did they come?
Kidus Giorgis played only once. They beat ArbaMinch Kenema 1-0 with Natnael Zeleke’s wonderful long range goal in the quarter final.
Mekelakeya were able to achieve an important triumph against Dashen Beer FC. They beat Dashen 2-0. In the quarter final they overwhelmed Sidama Bunna 3-0. Minyelu Wendimu, Samuel Taye and Fire Solomon scored the goals.
Facts
If Kidus Giorgis able to win this game, they will be in the EFF Cup final for the 6th successive time. After failing to reach the final in 2007/08 season the club progressed to the final 5 times. Apart from the 2011/12 season in which the tourney wasn’t held, the Horsemen reached the final for 5 consecutive times. The club lifted the cup in 2008/09 and 2010/11 seasons. But lost in 2009/10 and 2013/14 season to Debebit and 2012/13 season to Mekelakeya.
If Mekelakeya wins the game, it will be their 2nd final in three years. In 2012/13 they beat Kidus Giorgis on penalties to lift the trophy.
Mekelakeya holds the record for the most EFF Cup titles won. They won it 12 times while Kidus Giorgis are second with 10. Ethiopia Bunna and Electric won it 5 and 4 times respectively.
Last 4 EFF Cup Games Result
Kidus Giorgis – W-D-L-W
Mekelakeya – W-L-W-W
