Bahirdar Ketema have been promoted to the Ethiopian Premier League for the first time in their history following a 2-1 win over Ethiopia Medhin in a game played out at Addis Ababa.
The Waves of Tana, as they are nicknamed, won the promotion from Group A of the Ethiopian Higher League with three games to spare.
Bahirdar Ketema only needed a single point off the tie but were on offensive from the onset. Muluken Tariku turned in from close range to hand the visitors the lead 22 minutes into the game. Nonetheless, the pressure couldn’t persist on as Medhin saw more possession.
Following the resumption, the home side kept piling on the pressure and were rewarded with the leveler at the hour mark. Tamiru Balcha headed in a great delivery to equalize for Ethiopia Medhin. Bahirdar Ketema launched an all attack to take the lead. Girma Debessa rounded the keeper and slotted home to send the visitors to the premier league.
Bahirdar Ketema collected 61 points, 10 points above second placed Shire Endaselassie, as they top Group A standing. They will be competing in the premier league for the first time in the club’s history.
Following the relegation of Bahirdar University a decade ago from the Medroc Millennium League, the city of Bahirdar have not had a representative in the topflight.
