Hawassa trounce Shashemene, Bahir Dar dent Mekelakeya's hopes

Hawassa City beat Shashemene City 3-1 in the Ethiopia Premier League on Thursday, while Bahir Dar City put a massive dent in title challengers Mekelakeya's hopes.

It was a goal feast for fans at the Dire Dawa Stadium with five goals in all, with Hawassa getting the ball rolling.

Ali Sulieman put Hawassa 1-0 up in the 36th minute and on 45+1 minutes he completed his brace.

Hawassa led 2-0 at halftime but Shashemene would pull one back in the second half.

Former Wolaitta Dicha striker Sintayehu Mengistu was on target in the 81st minute.

However, Hawassa had the last laugh with a late goal on 90+3 minutes courtesy of Esrael Eshetu as Hawassa City claimed a sweet 3-1 win.

Mekelakeya, who are involved in a three-horse title race with CBE and St George, needed a win after their loss last week.

They managed to put Bahir Dar under pressure for much of the game with the first half ending goalless.

However, they succumbed to a Bahir Dar counterattack in the 81st minute and Cherinet Gugsa pounced to produce the only game of the game.

The defeat for Mekelakeya will be music to the ears of St George and CBE and also provide a welcome boost for Bahir Dar.

The win moves the Tona Bees to sixth spot on 26 points and provides them a chance to join the title race once again.