Fasil crunch time in Ethiopia Premier League title battle

Fasil Kenema look set to claim an early Betking Ethiopia Premier League title in the next two matchdays unless the chasing pack of Ethiopia Coffee, St George, Bahir Dar and Hadiya Hossana can catch up with them but it’s looking increasingly unlikely on current form and based on how all four will likely navigate their remaining fixtures.

Most teams have between five and six games to play before the end of the season. Here is the preview of the next round of games for week 20.

Bahir Dar v Sebeta Kenema

Barhir Dar have lost a bit of steam with their last three games being two losses and a defeat and they come up against Sebeta Kenema, who have also struggled of late so it will be an opportunity to reset for both sides.

However, Sebeta has been strengthened with the form of Bulcha Shura and Osei Mawuli.

Hadiya Hossana v Dire Dawa Kenema

Dire Dawa have managed to pull themselves up in the last five games after their early struggles with two wins and a draw as they fight for their survival.

They have Muhidin Mussa to thank for his quick reaction after Bereket Samuel’s powerful free-kick fell kindly to him in their win over Sidama Coffee, but Hadiya Hossana are a different proposition with strikers Dawa Hotessa and Kalusha Alhassan now finding their range.

Adama Kenema v Fasil Kenema

Fasil Kenema know that a win in this tie with Adama Kenema will give them one hand on the trophy and it appears that the pressure is getting to them with two draws in their last five games against some of their closest rivals, Bahir Dar and Hadiya Hossana. However, they have been unlucky, especially in their last game when they hit the post so many times against Hadiya.

Sidama Coffee v Hawassa Kenema

Sidama have been lethargic in a lot of games due to their dependence on Okiki Afolabi. When he is caged, they seem to struggle. Hawassa have been pulling up trees going unbeaten in their last five games with three wins and two draws, including a huge win over Bahir Dar in their last game.

Wolaitta Dicha v St George

St George will be glad to get a second-place finish this season following their inconsistent campaign and last week's draw with lowly Jimma Aba Jifar, but they will need to prepare for a fight with the exciting Wolaitta Dicha, where Chernet Gugsa is the in-form star of the league.

They will need to overcome their draw jinx, having won only one of their last five games, drawing four.

Jimma Aba Jifar v Ethiopia

Jimma Aba Jifar will be encouraged with their heroics against St George as they haven't fared well all season but Ethiopia Coffee, who have not played for two weeks but still remain in second position, will want to give one last fight for the title in the unlikely event that Fasil loses their remaining games.

However, with Abubakher Nassir failing spectacularly to score in their last game, they will need to find goals from elsewhere.