Sidama Coffee FC, second-placed on Ethiopian Premier League, is currently closing in on the gap with the league leaders on 46 points from 26 games while the losers side Addis Ababa City FC remained the bottom side on 19 points from equal 26 games – on the verge of relegation.
The pressure coming from Sidama Coffee over St. George is immense. As the season’s competition draws to a close, it is clear that the title contention is almost between three sides; St. George FC, Sidama Coffee FC and Dedebit FC.
The fight for survival is also limited among four clubs; Addis Ababa City FC, Commercial Bank FC, Jimma Aba Buna FC and Dire Dawa City FC.
With only four matches to go, Addis Ababa City will collect the maximum 12 points if they enjoy straight four wins. If that is added to their 19 points it becomes 31. Mathematically, it is possible to survive if all others drop points. But Addis Ababa City remained 16th from 16 teams starting from day one to this day. Considering this trend the possibility of survival is bleak.
Sidama Coffee FC did well. For them, the big fortune or the windfall is St. George’s successive drop of points. On their part so far so good. This is also the second time running to go for title. Last time they got frustrated when they conceded defeat in the last two games.
The Addis side Ethiopian Coffee FC spoiled their chance of title fight after they dropped two points as a result of a goalless tie with lowly Jimma Aba Buna FC on the 26th week at the Addis Ababa Stadium. Few expected that Ethiopian Coffee would drop points but complacence forced them to pay expensive price. Due to this result, they have slim chance of getting the season’s title. Ethiopian Coffee are now 4th on 43 points from 26 games while Jimma Aba Buna are 14th on 28 points.
By the same token Dedebit FC also spoiled their chance of catching the league leaders with a goalless tie with Mekelakeya. Dedebit have now 45 points from 26 games while Mekelakeya FC have 32 from equal 26 games.
Wolayita Dicha FC went one ladder up to take the 11th place after a 1-0 win over Electric who stand 12th on 29 points. Wolayita Dicha have equal 29 points with Ethiopian Electric FC.
The early league leaders and title contenders Adama City FC are now playing to finish among the top four after a 1-1 draw with the lowly Commercial Bank FC who have 24 points to stand next to the bottom side. Commercial Bank are the second in line for relegation.
The season’s Ethiopian Premier League competition has three distinct characters. One is the tightness of the points starting from day one up to this time. On Sunday, April 30, most of the clubs played their 26th games.
The other is the increase of the number of people who flock to the stadium. Not only in big clashes like St. George-Ethiopian Coffee, Dedebit-Coffee but the stadium has been full in almost all games.
The third is the play on the pitch has not been that attractive all through. Why the play failed to live up to expectations? In this regard, there are more questions than answers but the general consensus is that players don’t create the best of football art.
Getaneh Kebede of Dedebit remained the leading scorer of the Premier League with 19 goals. Surprisingly enough, he has been in the driving seat all through this season.
Source: The Ethiopian Herald
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