Yared Gemechu: “Rain changed everything” in Sidama Coffee defeat

Sidama Coffee hoped to extend their lead at the top of the 2025/26 CBE Ethiopian Premier League but were dealt a huge blow after suffering a 3–1 defeat to Mechal in a Round 27 match. The table-toppers could have gone nine points clear at the top after Negelle Arsi and Hawassa Ketema dropped points.

Mechal announced their title credentials in style after going down 1–0 midway through the first half. Nonetheless, goals from Chernet Gugesa, Girum Hagos, and Bereket Desta ensured a big 3–1 win for the army side over Sidama Coffee at the waterlogged Hawassa University Stadium.

Sidama Coffee were ahead with a strike from Fikreyesus Teweldebirhane, but heavy rain prevented them from deploying their usual tactics. Head coach Yared Gemechu told OBN TV that the bad weather changed the tie in favor of Mechal.

“That was a very tough encounter. Luck was on their side today, and they (Mechal) won. The rain totally changed the match. Chernet’s first goal could have been avoided if it had been on a dry pitch. That goal changed everything for us,” said Gemechu, who is eyeing his first-ever Ethiopian Premier League title as head coach.

Sidama Coffee looked disjointed in the second half as Mechal capitalized on the weak links to move to fourth in the standings. Gemechu added that the title race is still on, even though his side remains six points clear at the top.

“You have to do your homework well every match day if you want to be crowned champions. You can’t say you are champions with 12 games remaining. But one thing was clear: we could have created a points gap. All we have to do is win the other games.”

Sidama Coffee are top of the standings with 48 points, while Negelle Arsi and Hawassa Ketema are second and third with 42 and 41 points, respectively. Mechal are now title contenders after moving into fourth with 40 points.