The Ethiopian Premier League relegation battle entered the final stretch on Sunday with Round 35 games that were played in three towns. Adama, Wonji, and Bishoftu hosted the four crucial matches as Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Ethio-Electric, and Mekele 70 Enderta registered important wins. Adama Ketema and Fasil Kenema ended their tie in a draw.
It was an enticing affair between Adama Ketema and Fasil Kenema in Adama. The Emperors rallied from behind to force a 2-2 draw. Nabil Nuri gave Adama the lead with a brilliant free kick, and he assisted Adnan Reshad to double the lead in the first half. Veteran striker Getaneh Kebede pulled one back before Anwar Murad’s header equalized for Fasil, following a howler by Adama goalkeeper Natnael Tefera.
The result left Adama Ketema still in the drop zone with 39 points, while Fasil Kenema occupy 12th with 42 points.
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia beat Wolayta Dicha 3-2. The Bankers scored three goals in the first half as they edge closer to league safety. Addis Gidey, Kitika Jema, and Ugandan striker Simon Peter scored the goals for CBE, while Carlos Damtew and Eyob Tesfaye scored for the Bees of Tona.
CBE are 10th with 43 points. Wolayta Dicha are eighth with 45 points.
Mekele 70 Enderta scored late to beat Wolwalo Adigrat University 2-1 in Wonji. Mulugeta Woldergiorgis scored for the second game running as Mekele took the lead in the Tigray Derby. Natnael Solomon restored parity for the Yellows, but former Dedebit left winger Solomon Habte handed Mekele a massive win five minutes before time.
Mekele 70 Enderta are 14th with 41 points. Wolwalo Adigrat University are rock bottom with 19 points.
Shemkit Gugesa scored the lone goal as Ethio-Electric pipped Mechal in Bishoftu. Ethio-Electric are 13th with 41 points, while Mechal are ninth with 44 points.
Two teams will be relegated after the final round of games next week. Mekele 70 Enderta and Ethio-Electric will face each other. Adama Ketema, Diredawa Ketema, Fasil Kenema, Arba Minch Ketema, and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia will all be hoping to avoid relegation after the final round of games.
