Ethiopian Premier League: Southern sides shine as relegation battle heats up

Hawassa Ketema and their derby rivals, Sidama Coffee, registered vital wins in week 29 of the Ethiopian Premier League on Monday. Hawassa Ketema continued their fine form as they moved clear of the drop zone.

Hawassa Ketema pipped Arbaminch Ketema 1–0 at the Hawassa University Stadium. Esreal Eshetu, who recovered from a knock in the previous round, scored the only goal of the game in the 22nd minute. Eshetu managed to score from a tight angle as the Crocodiles fell short for the third successive league match.

Mulugeta Miheret’s charges are 12th with 34 points, while Arbaminch Ketema are 11th with one point more.

Sidama Coffee left it late to beat Ethio Electric 2–1. Habtamu Tadesse broke the deadlock for Sidama in the 17th minute, but Abel Habtamu brought the Addis Ababa side level nine minutes later. Yigezu Bogale sealed the victory for the coffee traders two minutes before full time with a rebound.

Sidama Coffee leapfrogged two positions to occupy seventh place with 40 points. Ethio Electric sit 13th with 32 points as they continue to struggle in the top flight.

Ethiopian Premier League relegation battle