Ethiopian Insurance and Bahir Dar City played out a goalless draw in the Ethiopia Premier League on Thursday, while Dire Dawa City beat Hambericho Durame 1-0 in the day's other fixture at Dire Dawa's iconic stadium.
Bahir Dar and Ethiopian Insurance were serious contenders last season, pushing St George all the way in a title race that went down to the wire.
However, they haven't been at their best so far this season. The two teams met on the season's opening day with Ethiopian Insurance emerging victorious 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.
Bahir Dar were unable to turn the table in the reverse fixture despite actively participating in the transfer window as they signed Mujib Kassim, Tsegaye Abera and Wondwosen Belete.
Dire Dawa, meanwhile, kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win against Hambericho City.
Hambericho Durame have only won a single match in the first round of the league and look odds on favourites for relegation.
They have registered four draws and 10 defeats in 15 league matches since their promotion to the Premier League.
Dire Dawa completed the double over Hambericho with Thursday's 1-0 victory.
This has been a remarkable turnaround for Dire Dawa since they replaced sacked coach Asrat Abate with Shimeles Abebe.
They beat St George and Wolkite Kenema and drew against Shashmene City and Hadiya Hosanna.
Dire Dawa are now placed 10th on the log with 22 points.