Ali Sulieman: The Eritrean marksman who is dominating the Ethiopian Premier League

Photo: Ethiopian Premier League

Hawassa Ketema striker Ali Sulieman thanked his teammates after scoring four goals as the Lakers demolished relegated Sihul Shire 5-1 in Wednesday's Ethiopian Premier League clash. The Eritrean international was in red-hot form as he continues to top the league's scoring chart.

Sulieman, in his second season with the southern Ethiopian side, told SuperSport that he is happy to be included in the history books of Ethiopian football after netting four goals. “I thank Allah for this! I am happy to be included in the list with the likes of Yordanos Abay and Getaneh Kebede. I am doing well in Ethiopian football, and I’m content that I am achieving this.”

The left-footed striker was instrumental in Hawassa Ketema’s fight to avoid relegation. Now, the Lakers sit fifth after an impressive second half of the season. “We were 100% certain that we would not be relegated. Hawassa is a great and historic club, and we kept telling ourselves that relegation should not happen while we are at the club. We heeded the instructions of our coaches and worked hard. We also thank the fans for their support.”

Sulieman is on the brink of history after scoring 19 league goals this season. He won the 2023/24 Ethiopian Premier League top scorer accolade with 20 goals and may repeat the feat for a second consecutive season. Often criticized for his individualism, Sulieman is undoubtedly one of the greatest non-Ethiopian goal poachers the league has ever seen.