Match Day 8 of the Ethiopian Higher took place across three groups in three towns over the holiday weekend.
Group A
Bench Maji Bunna managed to beat Halaba Ketema in the early kick off. Halaba were better in possession of the ball but it was Bench Maji Bunna that managed to create the better chances. And it was Bench Maji who took the lead in the 11th minute through Zelalem Beyene’s header. Halaba got the equalizer in the second half through Abush Deribe’s penalty. However, Esubalew Mulugeta’s goal handed Bench Maji Bunna the win and put them top of the group with 20 points.
Ethiopia Nigid Bank got a 1-0 win against Wollo Kombolcha to sit second with 17 points while Woldia and Batu Ketema who sit 3rd and 4th respectively got narrow wins to gather 15 points each.
In the other games, Butajira Ketema lost 0-1 to Durame Ketema, Addis Ketema beat Sebeta Ketema 1-0 while Gamo Chencha and Jimma Aba Bunna drew 0-0.
Group B
Shashemene Ketema beat Boditi Ketema 1-0 on Saturday thanks to Ashenafi Tiruneh’s goal. Nekemte Ketema’s surprising 0-1 loss to bottom side Gulele Kifle Ketema meant that the gap between them and leaders Shashemene was extended to four points.
In the rest of the fixtures, Debrebirhan and Kefa Bunna drew 2-2, Jinka Ketema lost 0-2 to Nib, Addis Ababa Ketema beat Kembata Shinshicho 2-0, Kirkos Kifle Ketema beat Ambo 2-1 while 3rd placed side Yirga Chefe Bunna got a 2-1 win against Injibara Ketema.
Group C
The game between Hambericho Durame and Kolfe Kifle Ketema ended in a 1-1 stalemate. The first forty-five was a half of few chances and the sides went into the dressing 0-0. After the break Filimon G/Tsadik gave Kolfe the lead in the 53rd minute. But the lead only lasted a minute as the usual suspect Dagem Bekele found the back of the net for the leaders. Hambericho Durame droped two points for the first time after six consecutive wins.
The game between Gelan Ketema and Dessie Ketema also ended in a 1-1 draw. Manaye Fantu’s spot kick handed Dessie Ketema the lead in the 65th minute but a 79th minute goal from Yared Wondmagegn meant that the teams shared points. Gelan sit in second place with 13 points while Dessie are in 4th place with the same points having played a game more.
There were two more 1-1 draws this weekend in Group C with games between Selte Wurabe -Negele Arsi and Damot Ketema-Jimma Aba Jifar ending in the this score line. Yeka Kifle Ketema beat Sodo Ketema 2-0 while Robe Ketema and Burayu Ketema drew 2-2.
