Ethiopian Premier League: Bahirdar climb to second

Bahirdar Ketema beat Ethiopian Coffee to move up to second place in the Ethiopian Premier League after their Week 24 fixture at Hawassa University Stadium. Holders Commercial Bank of Ethiopia came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Arbaminch Ketema.

In the top-of-the-table clash, Bahirdar Ketema scored in each half to sweep aside Ethiopian Coffee 2-0. An early goal from Chernet Gugesa unsettled the Browns in the first half. The Waves of Tana continued to press and sealed the victory with a goal from attacking midfielder Fitsum Alemu in the 70th minute.

Ethiopian Coffee coach Netsanet Kibre and his side had hoped to close the gap on league leaders Ethiopian Insurance. However, they have now dropped to fourth with 36 points. Bahirdar Ketema overtakes the Addis Ababa side to move into second, level on 37 points with Wolayta Dicha but with a superior goal difference.

Elsewhere, Arbaminch Ketema and reigning champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia settled for a 1-1 draw. The Crocodiles broke the deadlock in the first half through Tamirat Iyassu. The striker has now scored three league goals since joining the Southern Ethiopian side on loan from Saint George in January 2025. CBE responded through Dawit Yohannes, and the teams shared the spoils.

Arbaminch Ketema sit fifth with 34 points, while CBE are ninth with 32 points.

Week 25 matches will kick off this coming Sunday, as leaders Ethiopian Insurance look to protect their eight-point lead with ten games remaining.

Week 24 Results

Fasil Kenema 2-1 Saint George

Welwalo Adigrat University 1-1 Ethiopian Insurance

Adama Ketema 0-0 Wolayta Dicha

Hadiya Hosiana 1-1 Diredawa Ketema

Mechal 1-0 Mekele 70 Enderta

Ethio-Electric 1-1 Hawassa Ketema

Sihul Shire 0-1 Sidama Coffee

Arbaminch Ketema 1-1 Commercial Bank of Ethiopia

Bahirdar Ketema 2-0 Ethiopian Coffee

League Table (22 matches played)

Week 25 Fixtures

Wolwalo Adigrat University vs. Sihul Shire

Hadiya Hosaina vs. Mekele 70 Enderta

Saint George vs. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia

Sidama Coffee vs. Bahirdar Ketema

Hawassa Ketema vs. Wolayta Dicha

Ethiopian Coffee vs. Fasil Kenema

Mechal vs. Arbaminch Ketema

Ethiopian Insurance vs. Adama Ketema

Diredawa Ketema vs. Ethio-Electric