The 2022/23 season of the Ethiopian Higher League started on Saturday with 9 games taking place at three different towns and continued on Sunday.
In Group A
The game between Ethiopia Nigid Bank and Akaki Kaliti started things off at Emperor Tewodros Stadium. Ethiopian Football Federation General Secretary Bahiru Tilahun and other distinguished guests were in attendance.
Ethiopia Nigid Bank were better in both chance creation and possession of the ball. They managed to take the lead in the 8th minute. And doubled their advantage from the spot with Leoulseged Asfaw scoring before the half time break.
Akaki managed to cut back the deficit in the 50th minute. It was another penalty in the game and was converted by Kedir Admassu. But this goal didn’t enable Akaki to get back into the game.
Leoulseged sealed his hat-trick by scoring in the 70th and 86th minute. Abduletif Murad scored in between to secure 5-1 win for the team that was reformed and joined the league this season.
The other much anticipated game in group A saw Woldia, who were reformed and joined the league this season, beat Sebeta Ketema, who were relegated from the BetKing Ethiopia Premier League in 2021/22. The game ended 2-1.
The four remaining games in this group ended in a draw.
Group B
Nekemte Ketema, who were close to securing promotion last season, beat Yirgachefe 3-1. Temsegen Dubale, Daniel Dawit, and Zerihun Yilma managed to grab the goals.
Addis Ababa Ketema, who are back in the second division following a lone season at the top flight, managed to get a 2-1 win with second half goals coming from Robel Girma and Muluken Tariku.
Newly formed club Nib lost 1-0 to Kenbata Shinshicho with Webet Abetew grabbing the winning goal.
Injibara Ketema and Jinka Ketema met with Injibara grabbing a 2-1 win.
Shashemene Ketema managed to win with goal scored in extra time by Amrela Deltata against Gulele Sub City.
Group C
The game between Burayu Ketema and Kolfe Sub City was an exciting one. The game ended in a 3-2 win for Kolfe. The bright sparks in the game were the young talents in the blue colors of Kolfe Brook Semu and Sintayehu Solomon who were both involved in all three goals.
Another talking point from the first match day of the season was the fact that Debub Police weren’t able to take part in the competition due to financial problems. The players told Soccer Ethiopia that they are waiting for new updates at camp and are confused about the situation.
