Army side Mekelakeya lift the 2014/15 EFF Cup for a record 13th time after beating Hawassa Kenema 2-0 at Addis Ababa Stadium this afternoon.
Head coach Geberemedhin Haile gave the nod for right back Shemeles Tegegn. Shemeles is the only change on today’s Mekelakeya. Hawassa Kenema manager Webetu Abate on the other hand handed Desta Yohannes and Anteneh Teshager their start. Hawassa made two changes from the semi final game while their opponent Mekelakeya made only one change on their starting line up.
The first half was not entertaining to the Addis Ababa Stadium faithful as Hawassa dominated in the middle of the park without creating a dangerous goal scoring chances. Meanwhile Mekelakeya were the better side in reaching the final third with fast counter attacks. Mekelakeya took the lead through Minyelu Wendimu in the 31st minute. Firew Solomon orchestrated the goal with a sublime through ball. The first half eneded 1-0.
In the second half Hawassa Kenema’s new signing Asecahlew Girma made his debut for the club. Nonetheless, Mekelakeya doubled their lead moments later after the introduction of Asechalew. The dazzling Firew Solomon was the scorer of the goal. Mekelakeya had some glorious chances to extend the lead but their striking howler wouldn’t allow them. Hawassa Kenema’s effort to get back to the game totally halted by the brilliant saves of Mekelakeya’s goalie and former Ethiopian international Yidnekachew Kidane. The game ended 2 nil.
Ethiopian Football Federation President Juneydi Basha handed the EFF Cup trophy to Mekelakeya’s captain Mikael Desta, who won the EFF Cup for the second time in three years.
Mekelakeya will represent Ethiopia in CAF Confedrations Cup. They will also face Ethiopian Premier League Champions Kidus Giorgis next Sunday October 4 in Ethiopian Super Cup game.
