Mechal returned to the top of the Ethiopian Premier League table in Week 13 following Friday's 2-1 victory over Sihul Shire. Meanwhile, reigning champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia were held to a one all draw against Sidama Coffee.
Army side Mechal scored twice in the first interval to overcome newcomers Sihul Shire 2-1 in Adama. The military outfit started the game on a bright note since the onset and veteran midfielder Shemeles Bekele opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Girum Hagos doubled the lead before half time. Shire halved the deficit in the second half through an own goal from Mechal center back Asechalew Tamene.
Mechal for the second game running were under the supervision of assistant coach Demesew Fikadu. Head coach Gebrekristos Birara was not present at the dugout for unknown reasons.
The win temporarily made Mechal the new leaders of the league with 24 points, two points ahead of Bahirdar Ketema and Hadiya Hosaina. North Ethiopia side Sihul Shire are in the relegation zone with 11 points.
Holder CBE carried on their unimpressive form as they played out a 1-1 draw against Sidama Coffee. The Bankers led through Ugandan striker Simon Peter’s strike. Sidama responded in the second half courtesy of a goal from ex-Ethiopian Coffee striker Mesfin Tafesse.
CBE are 15th with 11 points, two points below the safety zone. Under interim manager Addise Kassa, Sidama Coffee are unbeaten in their last three games in all competitions as they sit seventh with 17 points.
League Table (Top-5)
GP | Points | |
Mechal | 12 | 24 |
Bahirdar Ketema | 13 | 22 |
Hadiya Hosaina | 11 | 22 |
Diredawa Ketema | 12 | 18 |
Saint George | 11 | 18 |
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