Ethiopian Premier League: St George Held to Barren Draw by Sidama Coffee

Saint George and Sidama Coffee played out to draw in a BetKing Ethiopian Premier League clash at the Jimma University Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Horsemen moved to second position on the BeKing Ethiopian Premier League table after the scoreless draw, while Sidama remain in 8th spot.

The opening 20 minutes proved to be a dull affair, with neither side creating any goal-scoring opportunities.

Getaneh Kebede came close to opening the scoring in the 23rd minute, the midfielder latched on to a pass from Desta Demu, before seeing his effort saved by Fikru Wodessa.

Yasser Mugerwa had a go from distance just a few minutes later, but he fired his long range effort straight at Lealem Birhamu.

Abel Yalew should have given Saint George the lead just before the halftime break, but the striker managed to blast over the bar from six-yards out, with the goal at his mercy.

The second half continued in the same fashion as the opening 45 minutes, although the home side started seeing more of the ball.

Henok Adugna had a chance to give the home side the lead in the 73rd minute, but the defender steered his header straight at Wodessa, who gathered the ball with ease.

Birhanu came to Saint George’s rescue in the 78th minute, as he came rushing off his line to deny Mamadou Sidibe, who was through on goal.

Temsegen Bejrond, who was quiet for a large part of the 90 minutes, came close to giving Sidama the lead in the 87th minute but his powerful volley from the edge of the area was saved by Birhanu.

However, neither side could break the deadlock in the closing stages and had to settle for a point each.