Ethiopian Premier League: Sidama Coffee soar as Hawassa Ketema stall

It was a relegation dogfight between four sides as the Ethiopian Premier League Week 24 games continued at Hawassa University Stadium. Hawassa Ketema settled for a draw against Ethio Electric while Sidama Coffee beat Sihul Shire to boost their survival hopes.

Hawassa Ketema and Ethio Electric shared the spoils in the early kickoff. The Lakers enjoyed home support but have yet to secure maximum points in their home city. Abel Habtamu gave the Addis Ababa side the lead in the first half after poor defending from Hawassa.

Hawassa Ketema restored parity through Ali Sulieman who converted from the spot in the second half. The Eritrean striker reached nine goals for the season as he fights for the top goal king accolade. Ahmed Hussien of Arbaminch Ketema leads the chart with 10 goals. Getaneh Kebede, Anteneh Tefera and Sulieman follow the Ethiopian international with nine goals each.

Mulugeta Mihrete’s side are four points below the safety zone, as Hawassa Ketema sit 15th with 21 points. Two-time Ethiopian Premier League champions Ethio Electric are 11th with 29 points.

A first-half strike from veteran midfielder Fikreyesus Teweldebirhane handed Sidama Coffee a rare 1-0 win over the struggling Sihul Shire side. A one-two between Teweldebirhane and Habtamu Tadesse created space for the former to score in the first half.

Sidama Coffee sit 12th with 29 points, while Sihul Shire are 17th with 16 points.

Relegation Battle Table