SAINT GEORGE WINS ETHIOPIAN SUPER CUP
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Saint George beat rivals Defence Force (Mekelakeya) 5-4 on penalties on Sunday, 4 October 2015 in Addis Ababa to win the Ethiopian Super Cup.
The encounter ended one-all in regulation time, forcing the winner to be decided via penalties where reigning league champions, Saint George triumphed over their rivals, winners of the Federation Cup (Ethiopian version of the FA Cup).
It was Defence who got the first chance at goal after six minutes, and Firew Solomon unleashed a low shot after cutting into the penalty area forcing out a good save from Uganda-born goalie Robert Odonjkara.
On 23 minutes, Saint George were rewarded a penalty after central defender Million Beyene was adjudged to have handled in the vital area. However, Defence goalie Yidnekachew Kidane stood firm to deny veteran Adane Girma from the spot.
Few minutes later, Saint George striker Dawa Hotesa was unlucky to see his goal bound shot ricochet off the crossbar.
Defence broke the deadlock on the strike of half time through Mohammed Nasser, with a superb free-kick.
Four minutes from time, Girma grabbed the equalizer capitalizing on a Kidane howler, to force the game into penalties, where Saint George converted five of their kicks against four by Defence.
Dutch coach of Saint George, Martin Koopman in a post-match interview said “Defence were not push over. Initially, we were a bit nervous since I asked a lot from my players during the last six weeks of pre-season preparation. That was not the kind of game we hoped to play. We can do better. I’m pleased with the result and the display of my players”.
This is the 16th time Saint George have lifted the Super Cup since its inauguration in 1984, which is a record.
The holders will commence their league title defence at the end of the month away to Adama City whilst Defence will be at home to Electric.
Source: cafonline
