Ethiopian Premier League: Hawassa Ketema and Negelle Arsi keep pace with leaders Sidama Coffee

The 2025/26 CBE Ethiopian Premier League week 19 saw Hawassa Ketema and Negelle Arsi level on points with leaders Sidama Coffee. Ethiopian Coffee returned to winning ways, while Fasil Kenema and Saint George dropped points after games in Addis Ababa and Adama.

High-flying Hawassa Ketema scored early to beat Adama Ketema 2-0 (highlights below). Veteran midfielder Shemeles Bekele opened the scoring for the Lakers before Tebarek Hefamo doubled the lead inside the first 15 minutes. Hawassa Ketema are level on points with cross-city rivals Sidama Coffee.

Sidama Coffee missed out on a chance to extend their lead at the top after a barren draw against Ethio-Electric. The Southern Ethiopian side saw their three-point lead at the summit cut with the draw.

Newly promoted side Negelle Arsi’s amazing run in the league persists after they overcame Mekele 70 Enderta 1-0. Rohobot Selalo struck the lone goal from distance with a superb free kick in the first interval. Tulu Desta’s charges are in a serious title challenge in their maiden league run.

Saint George and Wolwalo Adigrat University played out a one-all draw in Addis Ababa. Fitsum Tilahun gave the Horsemen the lead, but an own goal from Tumelsan H/Mikale canceled the record Ethiopian champions’ advantage. Elsewhere, reigning Ethiopian champions Ethiopian Insurance and Fasil Kenema settled for a goalless draw.

Ethiopian Coffee returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Wolayta Dicha. Ermias Shumbuza struck the solitary goal of the encounter.

Sidama Coffee, Hawassa Ketema, and Negelle Arsi top the league with an equal 35 points. Fasil Kenema are fourth with 33 points. Saint George are eighth with 24 points, while their bitter rivals Ethiopian Coffee occupy 12th with 23 points. Mekele 70 Enderta, Wolwalo Adigrat University, Wolayta Dicha, and Arbaminch Ketema are dangling in the relegation zone.

Week 19 of the top flight marks the end of the first-round games. Abel Yalew of Saint George and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia striker Addis Gidey are the top goal scorers with eight goals. Round two of the league will kick off after a two-week break.

Ethiopian Premier League: Week 19 Results

Sheger Ketema 0-0 Midregenet Shire

Hadiya Hosaina 1-1 Mechal

Ethio-Electric 0-0 Sidama Coffee

Ethiopian Insurance 0-0 Fasil Kenema

Saint George 1-1 Wolwalo Adigrat University

Adama Ketema 0-2 Hawassa Ketema

Bahir Dar Ketema 2-2 Commercial Bank of Ethiopia

Negelle Arsi 1-0 Mekele 70 Enderta

Ethiopian Coffee 1-0 Wolayta Dicha

Arbaminch Ketema 1-1 Dire Dawa Ketema

Match Highlights

Adama Ketema 0-2 Hawassa Ketema

Negelle Arsi 1-0 Mekele 70 Enderta

Saint George 1-1 Wolwalo Adigrat University

Hadiya Hosaina 1-1 Mechal