Ethiopian Premier League: Bahirdar crush Mekele; Shemeles Bekele leads Mechal’s charge

Ethiopian legend Shemeles Bekele (left) scored for the third consecutive match in Mechal's victory. Photo Credit: Ethiopian Premier League

Bahirdar Ketema and Mechal registered big wins in Week 26 of the Ethiopia Premier League games played on Monday in Hawassa as Diredawa Ketema stunned Fasil Kenema to move five points clear of the danger zone. Ethiopian Coffee suffered a 1-0 loss to Sidama Coffee on Easter Sunday.

Bahirdar Ketema crushed Mekele 70 Enderta 4-1, with four first half goals securing a comfortable win for the Waves of Tana and lifting them to second place in the standings. Chernet Gugesa and Abel Mamush each netted twice for Bahirdar while Ashenafi Haftu grabbed a consolation goal for Mekele. With this result, Bahirdar Ketema reclaimed second position from Ethiopian Coffee and now have 40 points.

Mechal’s recent fine form continued after beating strugglers Adama Ketema 2-0. Veteran midfielder Shemeles Bekele scored both goals, becoming joint top scorer alongside Ali Sulieman and Ahmed Hussien, with 10 goals. Mechal are fourth with 38 points.

Asrat Tunjo’s second-half strike proved decisive as Diredawa Ketema edged past Fasil Kenema. The crucial victory moved Diredawa Ketema to 12th place with 29 points, giving them valuable breathing room in the battle to avoid relegation.

Fikreyesus Teweldbirhane scored for the third consecutive match in the top flight, handing Sidama Coffee a vital win over Ethiopian Coffee. The former Ethiopian Coffee player has been rejuvenated since the second round kicked off a few weeks ago. Sidama Coffee are now ninth with 35 points.

League Table (Top-10)

	GP	Points
Ethiopian Insurance	23	48
Bahirdar Ketema	24	40
Ethiopian Coffee	24	39
Mechal	24	38
Hadiya Hosaina	24	37
Wolayta Dicha	24	37
CBE	23	35
Arbaminch Ketema	24	35
Sidama Coffee	24	35
Saint George	24	34