The 2017/18 Ethiopian Women’s First Division concluded on Saturday (7 July 2018), and Dedebit was crowned champions for the third time in a row. The Blues brushed aside Gedeo Dilla 3-1 in the final round of the league at the Addis Ababa Stadium, to end the season three points above arch rivals, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Dedebit were too good for Gedeo Dilla and completed the hat-trick of league titles in style.
The home side started the duel on a bright note as a Tigist Zewde cross was wrongly turned in by Menderin Andehun for an own goal barely one minute into the game. It took only four minutes for the visitors to reply, and Sara Nebesso left her marker for the dead to level matters from close range.
The game looked destined for a goal fest when Dedebit restored their lead in the eighth minute through veteran striker Birtukan Gebrekristos. Birtukan put the game to bed on 82 minutes to complete her brace and seal victory.
In the other match, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia trounced Saint George 4-1 but was not enough to wrestle the title from rivals Dedebit. Hiwot Dengiso struck twice in the Banker’s victory with veteran forward Rehima Zerega and Bizunesh Sisay the other scorers.
Dedebit annexed the title, the fourth in their history with a point tally of 44. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Defence Force finished second and third, with 41 and 27 points, respectively.
Ethio-Electric and Sidama Coffee have been relegated to the second division while Tiret Corporate, Arba Minch City, Addis Ababa City and Tirunesh Dibaba Academy have been promoted to the first division for the 2018/19 season. From next season, the league will feature 12 clubs.
Meanwhile, Dedebit forward Loza Abera, scored 17 goals in as many matches to finish top scorer for the fourth time in a row.
Source: CAF Online