Ethiopian Premier League: Diredawa end long winless run in resumption of top flight

The Ethiopian Premier League returned after the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches from the African region. Week 23 matches kicked off today at Hawassa University Stadium as Diredawa Ketema ended their four-month winless run while Saint George and Hadiya Hosaina played out a goalless draw in the earlier fixture.

Diredawa Ketema eased some pressure from themselves after beating Adama Ketema 3-1 in an early relegation dogfight. The Easterners took the lead through Ugandan import Charles Musige who fought strong to put the ball inside of the net in the opening 20 minutes.

Yohanes Dereje’s cool finish made it two before Abduselam Youssuf settled the victory for Diredawa. Adama Ketema pulled one back when Adnan Reshad headed home from a corner kick.

Diredawa Ketema’s last league win occurred back in December 3rd 2024. The win took them 13th with 25 points. Adama Ketema are 16th with 20 points.

Elsewhere, Saint George and Hadiya Hosaina shared the spoils in a goalless draw. Saint George were the better side in terms of attempts on goal but failed to break Hosaina. Hadiya Hosaina are fourth with 33 points while the Addis Ababa giants sit sixth two points behind Wednesday’s opponents.

Results

Saint George 0-0 Hadiya Hosaina

Adama Ketema 1-3 Diredawa Ketema

Fixtures

Welwalo Adigrat University vs Fasil Kenema

Wolayta Dicha vs Mekele 70 Enderta

Hawassa Ketema vs Ethiopian Insurance

Bahirdar Ketema vs Sihul Shire

Mechal vs Ethiopian Coffee

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia vs Sidama Coffee

Arbaminch Ketema vs Ethio Electric