Ethiopian Coffee settles for second as Premier League relegation battle heats up

Photo: Ethiopian Premier League

The final round of the Ethiopian Premier League kicked off earlier today, with Ethiopian Coffee and Saint George being held by Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Mechal, respectively. Week 36 games are being played at the Adama Science and Technology University Stadium with crucial relegation battles set to take place in the coming days.

Ethiopian Coffee and CBE played out a 2-2 draw. The Bankers took an early lead through Kitika Jema’s header two minutes after kickoff. The Browns replied with two first-half goals from Woldeamanuel Getu and Esrael Shegole.

CBE right back, Sulieman Hamid was shown a straight red card after an on-field altercation with Sidi Matala. Despite being down to ten men, CBE equalized 14 minutes from time when Yohannes Kidane scored from close range.

Ethiopian Coffee ended the season as runners-up with 60 points. CBE finished the season in tenth place with 44 points.

Saint George scored late to force a 1-1 draw against army side Mechal. Mechal took the lead in the first half through a penalty converted by Asechalew Tamene. Fitsum Tilahun’s last-gasp header earned the Horsemen a point at the death.

Saint George wrapped up the league season in seventh place with 46 points. Mechal finished eighth, one point behind.

The Final Relegation Battle

Four teams remain in the relegation dogfight, with the final week (Week 36) proving to be decisive. Fasil Kenema, Ethio Electric, Mekele 70 Enderta, and Adama Ketema are still battling to remain in the top flight. Two clubs will be relegated after the Week 36 matches.

Hawassa Ketema vs Adama Ketema

Fasil Kenema vs Sidama Coffee

Adama Ketema’s time in the Ethiopian Premier League hangs in the balance with one game remaining. Adama sits 16th with 39 points and a -10 goal difference. Their chances of survival depend on the outcome of the other fixtures. Adama needs to score more goals and hope that Fasil Kenema loses to Ethiopian Cup champions Sidama Coffee. The Emperors (Fasil Kenema) will survive with a win or a draw, provided they concede fewer goals against Sidama Coffee.

Mekele 70 Enderta vs Ethio Electric

This is a crucial tie, with direct relegation rivals facing each other. Both clubs have 41 points, but the Addis Ababa side, Ethio Electric, has a better goal difference. A draw or a win will ensure the two-time Ethiopian Premier League champions, Electric, remain in the league. Mekele 70 Enderta must win to survive.

League Table

	GP	Points
Ethiopian Insurance	33	70
Ethiopian Coffee	34	60
Bahirdar Ketema	33	51
Hawassa	33	50
Sidama Coffee	33	48
Hadiya Hosaina	33	47
Saint George	34	46
Mechal	34	45
Wolayta Dicha	33	45
CBE	34	44
Arbaminch Ketema	33	44
Diredawa Ketema	33	43
Fasil Kenema	33	42
Ethio Electric	33	41
Mekele	33	41
Adama Ketema	33	39
Sihul Shire	33	22
Wolwalo	33	19

• Ethiopian Insurance qualify for the 2025-26 CAF Champions League.

• The bottom four clubs at the end of the season will be relegated to the Ethiopian Higher League. Relegation is already confirmed for Sihul Shire and Wolwalo.