The CBE Ethiopian Premier League game week 17 was once again affected by a severe goal drought and controversial refereeing decisions.
The game week began on Sunday with three matches played in Addis Ababa and Adama. Wolwalo Adigrat University defeated Hadiya Hossana 2-1 at Addis Ababa Stadium. Endalkachew Tibebu opened the scoring before an own goal from Kaleab Wubeshet sealed the win.
Fasil Kenema claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Arbaminch Ketema in a five goal thriller. Kalkidan Zelalem scored twice while Natnael Gebregiorgis added another for Fasil Kenema. The main talking point of the match was a controversial goal by Kalkidan Zelalem which appeared to be scored using his hand.
Both matches played in Adama on Sunday ended without goals. Adama Ketema and Mekelle 70 Enderta shared a goalless draw while Bahir Dar Ketema and Hawassa Ketema also finished level with no goals scored.
Monday fixtures continued the scoring struggles as Electric and Wolaitta Dicha played out a goalless draw in Adama. Shire Midregenet and Kidus Giorgis also ended goalless in Addis Ababa. Mechal were the only side to register a win on the day as they defeated Medhin 1-0 through a solitary goal from Chernet Gugsa.
The match between Shire and Kidus Giorgis was overshadowed by several controversial refereeing decisions. Multiple dangerous fouls went unpunished and a late header by Fitsum Tilahun which could have secured victory for Kidus Giorgis was disallowed under unclear circumstances.
The surprise package of the season Negele Arsi defeated league leaders Sidama Bunna 1-0 in a highly anticipated contest in Adama on Wednesday. Dawit Tefera scored the decisive goal in stoppage time from the spot against his former club.
In another closely contested match Ethiopia Nigd Bank secured a narrow victory over Ethiopia Bunna thanks to a second half goal by Tesfaye Tamrat. The Addis Ababa encounter between Sheger Ketema and Dire Dawa Ketema ended in a goalless draw.
