The CBE Ethiopian Premier League Matchday 18 fixtures were played across Addis Ababa and Adama. Arbaminch Ketema finally registered their first victory of the season. Hawassa Ketema, Negele Arsi, Fasil Kenema, Sheger Ketema and Diredawa Ketema also claimed important victories during the round.
The matchday action kicked off on Friday in Adama where Hawassa Ketema continued their impressive form with a 2-0 victory over Ethio Electric. Tebarek Hefamo and Getaneh Kebede scored the goals. Veteran forward Getaneh Kebede’s stunning direct corner kick goal stood out as one of the highlights of the week.
In the other Friday fixture Wolaitta Dicha and Adama Ketema shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Tewodros Hailemariam gave Wolaitta Dicha the lead before halftime. Abenezer Sisay equalized for Adama Ketema after the break. Meanwhile the only goalless encounter of the round saw Midregenet Shire and Ethiopia Medhin play out a 0-0 draw in Addis Ababa.
Saturday’s matches saw Diredawa Ketema defeat Hadiya Hossana 2-0 in Addis Ababa. Mohammednur Nasir scored both goals. Sheger Ketema who had struggled for points in recent weeks secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mechal. Bulcha Shura scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute.
In Adama league leaders Sidama Bunna were held to a 1-1 draw by Bahir Dar Ketema. Mesfin Tafesse gave Sidama the lead in the 61st minute. Seith Osei equalized ten minutes later to earn Bahir Dar Ketema a valuable point.
Sunday’s matches were highly competitive. In Addis Ababa Arbaminch Ketema defeated Wolwalo Adigrat University 2-1 to claim first win of the campaign. Tamrat Iyasu scored both goals. The victory marked the first win for newly appointed head coach Addise Kassa with the Crocodiles.
Elsewhere Fasil Kenema edged past Kidus Giorgis with a 1-0 victory in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the round. Tolosa Nguese’s own goal in the 82nd minute proved decisive.
In a clash played in Adama Ethiopia Bunna and Mekelle 70 Enderta settled for a 1-1 draw. Ramkel James gave Bunna the lead in the 19th minute. Befikadu Alemayehu’s own goal later brought Mekelle level.
The final match of the round saw Negele Arsi defeat Ethiopia Nigd Bank 2-0 to close the gap on the league leaders. Kabe Bizuneh scored in the first half. Dawit Tefera added the second after the break to seal a crucial victory for the Ostriches.
