Bahir Dar and Hawassa draw, Sidama beat Dire Dawa

Bahir Dar City forced Hawassa City to a 1-1 draw in the Ethiopia Premier League on Thursday, while Sidama Coffee romped to a 2-0 win over Dire Dawa City.

Bahir Dar had been hoping to move up to third place ahead of Ethiopia Coffee, but they remind fourth alongside Coffee on 50 points, with the latter ahead on goal difference.

Hawassa scored first in the 11th minute through Fikremichael Alemu.

Hawassa led 1-0 at halftime despite a barrage of Bahir Dar attacks spearheaded by Cherinet Gugsa.

Bahir Dar would find a late equaliser from the penalty spot with Ali Suleiman scoring his 18th goal of the season.

Elsewhere in the second game, Hawassa's local rivals, Sidama Coffee beat Dire Dawa City 2-0.

Sidama Coffee produced two quick goals to settle the tie, and it was a productive day as they defended the early advantage very well.

Ghanaian star Emmanuel Laryea gave Sidama a fifth-minute lead for Desta Yohannes scored the second goal in the ninth minute.

The result moves Sidama Coffee up to 37 points, level with Ethiopian Insurance in 11th place with a superior goal difference.