Ethiopian Premier League: Hawassa secure crucial victory as Mechal, Sidama share spoils

Photo Credit: Ethiopian Premier League

Hawassa Ketema registered a crucial win to aid their relegation dogfight in Week 28 of the Ethiopian Premier League. Sidama Coffee and Mechal ended their encounter in a 2-2 draw at the Hawassa Artificial Ground. The games were moved to the center of Hawassa due to the waterlogged pitch at Hawassa University Stadium.

Hawassa Ketema continued their upward momentum with a narrow 1-0 win over Diredawa Ketema. The Lakers dominated the first half and a brilliant solo run from veteran midfielder Tafesse Solomon gave them the lead. Esrael Eshetu came close to doubling the lead with a powerful strike from distance that rattled the post. The Easterners looked disheveled as their efforts to level the score proved futile.

The win took Mulugeta Miherte’s charges out of the drop zone for the first time in five months. Hawassa Ketema are 13th with 31 points, while Diredawa Ketema are 14th with 29 points.

In a thrilling encounter, Mechal came from behind to secure a point against Sidama Coffee. Despite missing their talisman Shemeles Bekele, the army side took the lead in the first half with a brilliant strike from Filimon Gebretsadik. However, Sidama responded swiftly with goals from Mesfin Tafese and Bezabeh Meleyo to overturn the deficit. Mechal eventually drew level through Abel Negash, who scored 15 minutes from time.

The result leaves Mechal in fifth place with 40 points, while Sidama Coffee sit ninth with 37 points.