Ethiopian Premier League: Hosaina defeats Mechal to take top spot

Hadiya Hosaina celebrate during their victory over Mechal. Photo Credit: Ethiopian Premier League

There is a new leader in Ethiopia's top division after Hadiya Hosaina beat Mechal in the week 12 of the Ethiopian Premier League to take the top spot. Hosaina pipped the military side by a 1-0 score to be the new leaders of the league which resumed action in Adama after taking time off for African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying.

In the most anticipated duel of the week in Adama, Mechal looked disorganized in the first half. Hosaina’s fast transition was something Mechal failed to defend as Chala Teshita scored the lone goal of the much after beating the offside trap.

The south Ethiopian side has now become the surprise leader of the league on 22 points, one point ahead of second placed Mechal. Hosaina coach Girma Tadesse and his charges have won six consecutive matches after only winning one of their first five.

Saint George defeated Ethio Electric on Saturday. Photo Credit: Ethiopian Premier League

Elsewhere, defending champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia played out a goalless draw against Mekele 70 Enderta in what was a dull affair. Record Ethiopian champions Saint George went back to winning ways as they swept aside Ethio Electric 2-1.

Adise Kassa started off his Sidama Coffee tenure with a 1-0 win over Arbaminch Ketema. Relegation battlers Wolwalo Adigrat University suffered a decisive 3-0 defeat at the hands of Adama Ketema. Wolwalo coach Tsegaye Kidanemariam told Soccer Ethiopia that his boys are low in confidence after a terrible run of form. Mekele 70 Enderta, CBE, Hawassa Ketema and Wolwalo Adigrat University remain in the relegation zone.

Video: Habtamu Taddese scores the only goal in Sidama Coffee's win over Arbaminch

Video: Bahirdar Ketema 1-1 Diredawa Ketema

Week 12 results

Arbaminch Ketema 0-1 Sidama Coffee

Fasil Kenema 0-0 Hawassa Ketema

Bahirdar Ketema 1-1 Diredawa Ketema

Saint George 2-1 Ethio Electric

Wolwalo Adigrat University 0-3 Adama Ketema

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia 0-0 Mekele 70 Enderta

Ethiopian Insurance 3-1 Sihul Shire

Mechal 0-1 Hadiya Hosaina

League Table (Top-10)

	Games Played	Points
Hadiya Hosaina	11	22
Mechal	11	21
Bahirdar Ketema	12	19
Ethiopian Insurance	10	17
Diredawa Ketema	11	17
Wolayta Dicha	10	16
Sidama Coffee	11	16
Ethiopian Coffee	11	15
Saint George	10	15
Fasil Kenema	11	15