- Addis Ababa relegated in debut season
St. George have clinched the Ethiopian Premier League (EPL) title for a record 14th time after they narrowly defeated relegation fighters Electric.
With two matches remaining to the end of the 2016/17 season St. George secured the title with a 1-0 victory over the other Addis Ababa outfit. The lone goal came from Adane Girma in the 68th minute.
The Horsemen have now won for four consecutive seasons. St. George are on top with 55 points and a game in hand against Fasil City.
“I am happy for my club and St. George fans. It’s really a great pleasure for us to win our 14th title. Our next focus will be on the African Champions League,” St. George captain, Adane Girma, told The Reporter.
Adane have scored 12 goals for the season. The Horsemen are currently headed by Brazilian coach Neider Dos Santos. The 52-year-old, who took over the side in 2014, following spells with Tanzanian side Simba and Jamaican club Montego Bay United, has a major role to play with St. George’s recent dominance.
In St. George’s last 34 games in all competitions they have only lost four matches and are currently topping the league standings.
“We are happy with what we have managed to achieve. We are still not finished with our journey as we want to progress in the African Champions League. We have to work hard to be one of the top finishers,” St. George assistant coach, Zerihun Shengetta, told The Reporter.
In last week’s African Champions League opening games, the Horsemen drew 0-0 against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns earning a valuable point from an away match. On May 23, 2017 St. George will face Esperance De Tunis at Addis Ababa Stadium.
Elsewhere, 2016/17 season newcomers, Addis Ababa City have been relegated from the EPL. Addis Ababa confirmed relegation they were defeated by Ethiopia Coffee 2-0 at Addis Ababa Stadium. The goals came in the 39th minute from Abubker Sani and in the 43rd minute from Nigerian Samuel Sanumi.
Addis Ababa City are placed bottom with just 20 points.
Meanwhile, in other week 28 EPL results, Adama City, Fasil City, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Dire Dawa City emerged as winners from their midweek fixtures while Sidama Coffee and Woldia City drew. Relegation battle continues as The Bankers, Jimma Aba Bunna and Electric are edged to follow Addis Ababa City.
Based on the table standing Dire Dawa City, Wolaita Dicha, Electric, CBE and Jimma Aba Bunna are not yet safe from relegation.
Week 29 Ethiopian premier league (EPL) is to be staged after the African Champions League group stage matches.
Week 29 Ethiopian Premier League fixtures
Defense vs. Adama City
Electric vs. Woldia City
Fasil City vs. Dire Dawa City
Dedebit vs. Sidama Coffee
Arba Minch City vs. Woliata Dicha
Addis Ababa City vs. St. George
