Ethiopian Cup: Mechal and Wolayta Dicha advance to semifinals

Mechal celebrate after Sunday's victory in the Ethiopian Cup. Photo Credit: Ethiopian Football Federation

Mechal and Wolayta Dicha confirmed their places in the Ethiopian Cup semifinal on Sunday after games in front of packed crowds in Hawassa.

14-time Ethiopian Cup champions Mechal came from behind to beat Ethiopian Insurance 3-1. Insurance's domestic double dream ended after a dreadful second half. Mohammed Abera gave Insurance the lead with a strong header. The Army side replied in emphatic fashion in the second interval.

Yoseph Tarekgn equalized from a tight angle before Ethiopian international Abdulkerim Worku gave Mechal the lead in the 72nd minute. Yodahe Dawit wrapped up the win deep into the stoppage time.

Record Ethiopian Cup champions Mechal are now hoping to add their 15th title.

In the South Ethiopian derby, Wolayta Dicha beat Hawassa Ketema 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Dicha took the lead ten minutes before half time through Carlos Damtew. The Lakers leveled matters in the second interval with Tafesse Solomon scoring from the spot.

2018 champions Wolayta Dicha went on to win the penalty shootout.

Semifinal Pairings

Sheger Ketema vs. Wolayta Dicha

Sidama Coffee vs. Mechal