Sidama Coffee proved too hot for Wolaitta Dicha when they beat them 2-1, and Fasil Kenema came from behind to beat Hadiya Hossana by the same score.
Yisak Kano scored for Sidama in the 22nd minute to give them a 1-0 lead which they held until the break.
Michael Kporvi increased Sidama Coffee's lead to 2-0 in the 74th minute, prompting a spirited fightback by Wolaitta Dicha.
Wolaitta were rewarded in the 85th minute when Zelalem Abate pulled one back in the 85th minute to make it 2-1.
It proved a little too late for Wolaitta but the win helped drive Sidama up to 10th on the log with 30 points. Hawassa are on 29 points and Wolaitta Dicha have 28 points.
Elsewhere, Fasil Kenema's 2-1 win brings them to 36 points and sixth place on the log, within one point of fifth-placed Adama City on 37 points.
The latest results have expanded the title race to around six teams, as Fasil are now just three points behind St George in fourth position with 39 points.
Bahir Dar are third with 40 points, while Mekelakeya have 41 points and leaders CBE are on 47 points.
Hadiya are in ninth place with 31 points following their loss after taking a first-half lead through Dawa Hotessa in the 38th minute.
Fasil equalized through Jabir Mulu in the 65th minute before Mignot Debede's 79th-minute winner gave them the 2-1 victory.