ADDIS ABABA – Mekele Saba Inderta lifted the Ethiopian Premier league (EPL) trophy on 59 points from 30 games for the first time in their history on Sunday beating Dire Dawa City at Mekele. The fans of the club had a wild celebration for winning title after an exciting and thrilling EPL Title.
The other hopefuls Fasil City who were in the lead until they managed a 1-1 draw with Shire Sihul, completed third on 57 points from 30 games. It was a sad day for Fasil City. They were in a 1-0 lead up to the break but Shire Sihul earned a penalty in the dying minute to make it 1-1. That reversed the fortune of Fasil.
The game was interrupted for a few minutes after the penalty award when Fasil City complained that it was unfair.
Sidama Coffee who thrashed Wolwallo Adigrat University 3-0 emerged second on 58 points. This was the best result so far earned by Sidama Coffee.
In other venues Mekelakeya beat Coffee 4-3 at the Addis Ababa stadium while Jimma Abajifar beat South Police 3-2.
Adama City conceded a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Bahir Dar City while Wolayita Dicha beat St. George 3-0 on Forfieture. This was the second forfeiture against St. George in the span of four days. The first was against Fasil City. In both cases St. George didn’t show up at the venue citing the fact that the federation made unfair rescheduling of their match against Wolwalo Adigrat University.
Three sides, Dedebit, Mekelakeya and South Police, relegated in this season.
The season’s EPL came to a conclusion amid controversies. The good thing is that it came to a conclusion according to the order of the Confederation of African Football, commonly known as C.AF.
Earleir CAF ordered the national Federations that all member associations to submit the names of league champions and knock out holders before July 7. In that sense the federation is successful.
But all through the competition came to a conclusion passing through a turbulent road. In fact, the authority of the federation has never been challenged in the past like it was in this season. That challenge remains unresolved.
The Ethiopian Herald July 9/2019
BY SOLOMON BEKELE
