Sheger Derby: Saint George break six game drought to defeat Ethiopian Coffee

Saint George claimed Sheger Derby bragging rights following Sunday’s 1-0 win over bitter rivals Ethiopian Coffee at a packed Addis Ababa Stadium in round one from the Ethiopian Premier League.

The derby saw 17,545 fans in attendance, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A second-half red card for Coffee’s Ghanaian goalkeeper Danald Ibrahim proved to be the turning point of the match.

The game started with two clear-cut goal-scoring chances at both ends. Abubaker Adamu tested the Horsemen custodian Temesgen Yohannes with a powerful free kick, while at the other end, Abel Yalew broke through the left flank but was denied by Ibrahim.

The Browns were the better side during the first interval as they dominated the midfield. The visitors opted for solid defending and fast attacking transitions. Nonetheless, scoring chances were limited after an electric start to the tie. After the resumption, Ibrahim fouled Yalew outside the box and was sent off in the 54th minute.

The numerical advantage boosted Saint George as they pushed for the opener. New signing Adisu Atula fed Yalew, who scored with a tap-in in the 66th minute. Despite being a player down, the hosts tried to restore parity as they piled on the pressure in the closing stages of the encounter, but it was futile.

Saint George opened their new campaign with a big derby win. The Horsemen had waited six league games to beat their cross-city rivals, Ethiopian Coffee.