2016 Ethiopia Premier League champions St. George FC completed a season double, lifting league Cup crown against hard fighting Defense on Thursday at Adama Abebe Bikila Stadium.
Kidus Giorgis brushed the arch rivals aside 4-3 on post match penalty to grab their 11th title – to the delight of thousands of their travelling fans who thronged the venue.
The highly tense encounter saw the champions finish a man less after the reigning EPL most valuable player Aschalew Tamene was sent packing in the 89th minute by ref Bamlake Tassema for double caution.
Earlier, it was Defense who thrushed ahead twenty minutes into game from a wonderfully struck Samuel Saliso’s freekick just outside the box – for a 1-0 half time lead.
Kidus responded in the 57th minute through Adane Girma from the spot after striker Mohamed Nasser handled in the danger area. The game ended 1-1 at full time and went straight to the dreaded spot kicks.
Keeper Zerhuin Tadele who bagged man of the match honors was the hero for Kidus saving Tewdrose Taffesse and Tewdrose Bekele third and fifth kicks to deny Defense a record 14th title.
Mohamed Nasser, Behailu Girma and Samuel Saliso were successful for the Defense side.
While on Kidus’ side Abebaw Butako, Salhadin Seid, Dawa Hotse and Mintesenote Adane were all on target.
St. George will represent the country in the CAF Champions League next season while Defense will take part in the Confederations Cup.
@bonfaceosano
