The Betking Ethiopia Premier League returns on Thursday at the Dire Dawa Stadium in Dire Dawa, a city famous for hosting matches for Afcon 76 as St George and especially Ethiopia Coffee look to challenge Fasil Kenema’s runaway lead at the top of the log.
With action set to resume after a two-week break there will be some players who might feel the effects of international duty. In addition, a series of game postponements are sure to to further break the rhythm for some teams as they try to find their range.
One significant change from the games will be the late kick-offs because of the temperature. This will be the first time this season when there will not be a morning kickoff.
St George v Sebeta Kenema - Wednesday, 7 April
St George have fallen below their usually high standards and have parted ways with coach Mahir Davids, so this is an opportunity to reset their season as they host Sebeta Kenema looking to keep up with the chasing pack of Ethiopia Coffee and Bahir Dar.
Getaneh Kabede and Amanuel Gebremichael have been their leading lights in the forced absence of Saladin Said and perhaps the new coach will look to bring back Said.
Sebeta are in the eighth position and they will try to disrupt the effect of the new coach.
Ethiopia Coffee v Hawassa Kenema - Thursday, 8 April
Ethiopia Coffee have had their failings after a great run in the first half of the season, but this is the perfect opportunity to push on and they will hope star striker Abubaker Nasri retains his scoring touch.
The 21-year-old Ethiopia international has been one of the top performers this season and his 20 goals in 12 games, including three hat-tricks, are just mind boggling.
Hawassa Kenema are in ninth spot and could prove formidable and dent Coffee’s charge. Coffee are eight points behind leaders Fasil Kenema.
Source: supersport.com