Friendly Game
Ethiopia and Eritrea set to play a friendly encounter in Asmara in August. EFF and ENFF agreed to stage a friendly tie in the Eritrean capital before the African Cup of Nations qualifier group stage games. Newly appointed Ethiopia coach Abraham Mebratu is expected to notify EFF at which date in August the match should take place. The game will be the first ever meeting between the two nations in more than 20 years.
Ethiopian Premier League
Fasil Ketema have named Webetu Abate as their new head coach a two year deal. Coach Webetu left Hawassa Ketema on the conclusion of his four years stay to take the helm at the Emperors. The Gondar based side officially unveiled the former Al Ahli Shendi, Ethiopia Bunna and Adama Ketema trainer last Saturday.
Adama Ketema and head coach Tegene Negash parted ways. The club confirmed the development and reports claim Adama are on the look out for a new coach. Tegene, a former goalkeeper, took over from Ashenafi Bekele and guided Adama Ketema to a third place finish in his maiden season as head coach. Nonetheless, a rocky journey on the just ended season saw Adama Ketema finishing fifth, their poorest league finish in the last four seasons.
U-17 Premier League
Hawassa Ketema have successfully defended their Ethiopian U-17 Premier League following a 3-2 win over Adama Ketema. Menetesenote Endris struck a brace while Bereket Kaleb added the other goal. Abel Denbu and Biniyam scored for Adama.
Wolaitta Dicha beat Afro Tsion 5-3 on penalties to take the third place.
U-20 Premier League
Wolaitta Dicha have been crowned champions of the Ethiopian U-20 Premier League following a 2-0 win over Ethiopia Bunna on the final of the playoff played out at Batu Stadium. Samson Dejene and Mesay Agengew scored the goals to lift the Sodo based side over Ethiopia Bunna.
Defending champions Hawassa Ketema settled for third place. They beat Dedebit 3-1 on the third place playoffs.
Addis Ababa Football Federation
The Ethiopia’s capital Football Federation is heading to polls this August as Soccer Ethiopia can confirm. The Federation’s elective General Assembly is expected to vote in new president and executive committee members. Tesfai Kahesaye and Haileyesus Fisseha are running for the AAFF presidency while veteran coach Asrat Haile emerged as the main contender in the race for the ExCo sit.
ExCo candidates
Asrat Haile, Sentayehu Ejegu, Diriba Ketan, Colonel Mitiku Mekuria, Derek Debasa, Alemayehu Amersa, Dr. Aynalem Haile, Wondwosen Tessema, Negasi Halefom, Yematawork Abebe, Sirekalem Kebede, Tesfaye Tosa, Mesfin Mengistu, Yenneh Bekele and Daniel Fikadu.
Ethiopian Higher League
Bahirdar Ketema wasted a chance to secure promotion to the Ethiopian Premier League after a two all draw against Shire Endaselassie in Adama. Shire led twice but the Waves of Tana came from behind to force a draw and maintain a 10 points lead over the second placed Shire. Lidetu Lema gave Shire the lead barely after the kick off after a goal mouth blunder from Bahirdar players and goalkeeper. The lead was short lived as Fikadu Work successfully converted a spot kick to pull Bahirdar on level terms. After the recess Lidetu’s fine volley yet again gave Shire a life line but a last gasp goal from Fikermikael Alemu saw both clubs sharing spoils.
Bahirdar Ketema now only needs one point from their remaining four fixtures to confirm their promotion. The club is leading the log table of Group B.
Debub Police tops Group B standing with 48 points.
Winners of the groups will earn automatic promotion to the topflight league while the runners ups in the two groups will by for the third and last spot to gain promotion.
Ethiopians Abroad
Ethiopian international Shemeles Bekele bagged a hattrick on Petrojet’s 5-2 win over Egyptian second division side Pharco FC in a preseason tie.
Ethiopian Torchbearers in CAF Inter club competitions
CAF has given member associations and federation up to until October 15, 2018 to register clubs for the 2018/19 CAF club competitions. The move will pressure EFF to finalize the Ethiopian Cup before October 15. The Ethiopian Cup winner will represent the country in the Total CAF Confederation Cup while league title holders Jimma Aba Jifar will be making their debut appearance in the Total CAF Champions League.
