The Ethiopia Premjer League break has allowed Ethiopia Coffee, Adama City and Bahir Dar City to advance in the Ethiopia Cup.
The League title looks like St George's to lose even in the early stages, but their rivals have staked strong challenges for success in the Ethiopian Cup
Ethiopia Coffee beat lower league side Woldia 4-0, with two goals (including a penalty) from Biruk Beyene.
Chala Teshita and Mohammad Nur Nasir scored the other goals.
Bahir Dar City beat Sheger City 1-0 thanks to a goal by Frezer Kasa.
Sidama City, who recently parted ways with their coach Seyoum Kebede, scandalously lost 0-4 to Adama City.
Goals from Moses Cyrus, Mesud Mohammad, Nebil Nuri and a Mehari Mana own goal cost them dearly
Ethiopia Coffee, Bahr Dar City and Adama City have thus advanced to the third round along with Mekelakeya, Shashemene City and Arba Minch City.
Mekelakeya beat Wolkite City 2-0 with goals from Dawit Mamo and Yodahe Dawit.
Shashemene City won 5-4 in the penalty shootout after playing out a 0-0 draw with Kafa Coffee.
Arba Minch City won 10-9 in their penalty shootout against Oromia Police after a 1-1 draw.
Daniel Darge gave Oromia Police the lead and Arba Minch City equalised through Ashenafi Tegegn.