Bahir Dar brush aside Sidama Bunna

Bahir Dar brush aside Sidama Bunna

Bahir Dar Ketema were too hot to handle as they swept aside a strong Sidama Bunna side 3-1 in Addis Ababa Stadium in the first round of the BetKing Ethiopian Premier League encounter. The in-form Fitsum Alemu stared as the Waves of Tana pip the Hawassa based club.

Bahir Dar needed only five minutes to break the deadlock as Alemu rounded the Sidama keeper Mesay Ayano to put the home side ahead. The defensive frailty of the visitors was evident when they allowed Alemu to complete his brace and Bahir Dar's second in the 18th minute. 

The Coffee Growers did push to get into the tie as they tried to score through Malian forward Mamadou Sidibe. Bahir Dar goalie Hariston Hessou pulled off a great save to deny Habtamu Gezaghen and Dawit Tefera before the half time break to keep the two goals cushion intact. 

Following the resumption Bahir Dar were forced to substitute Alemu as he limped off. Nonetheless, the former Wolaitta Dicha striker Baye Gezaghen sealed the win through a powerful strike to make it 3. 

Sidama Bunna struggled to string passes or keep good possession or make meaningful attempts at goal as Bahir Dar grew in confidence. The home side almost made it four for the day but Zenaw Ferede saw his effort sail over the bar. Sidama got a consolation goal at the stroke of full time through a Dawit Tefera penalty kick. 

Bahir Dar Ketema starts off the new season with a magnificent win over Sidama Bunna, who performed below expectations following a huge transfer window under coach Zereaye Iyassu.