Sidama Coffee reaches first-ever Ethiopian Cup final
- Omna Taddele
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Sidama Coffee has made history after progressing to the Ethiopian Cup final following Sunday's semifinal victory over Mechal 7-6 on penalties. The South Ethiopian side managed to force a 0-0 draw against tournament favorites Mechal in regulation time. The army side’s key player, Shemeles Bekele, squandered his penalty kick as Sidama Coffee booked a place in the final.
Mechal dominated the proceedings at the Hawassa Artificial Turf Ground, but Sidama Coffee was brilliant in their defending. Both clubs fought hard to get goals but were futile in their attempts.
During the penalty shootout, Ethiopian international and Sidama Coffee right-back Birhanu Bekele’s kick was saved by Ugandan goalie Alionzi Nafian. But Alionzi’s heroics were matched by Sidama custodian Mesfin Muzie, who saved the penalty kick of Mechal star player Bekele. Yodahe Dawit also squandered his kick for the Addis Ababa side.
Sidama Coffee has set up an Ethiopian Cup final clash against Wolayta Dicha, scheduled for June 7.
Founded in 2006 as Dara Kenema, Sidama Coffee has competed in the top flight for over sixteen seasons. The club is backed by coffee traders and farmers from the Sidama regional state. Having never won a major trophy, their upcoming match against Wolayta Dicha will mark the first cup final in the club’s history.
