The 2025/26 CBE Ethiopian Premier League officially kicked off with exciting opening fixtures played across Addis Ababa and Hawassa marking the start of a new season under a new broadcaster and title sponsor.
At the Addis Ababa Stadium which hosted a league match for the first time in five years, Ethio Electric began their campaign on a winning note defeating newly promoted Sheger 1-0. Abnet Tesfaye’s second-half strike not only secured three points for Electric but also became the first goal of the new season.
In the day’s second fixture another promoted side Negelle Arsi shared the spoils with Arbaminch Ketema in a 1-1 draw. Habib Kemal gave Negelle an early lead Tamrat Iyasu equalized for Arbaminch before halftime and the match ended level.
Over in Hawassa both home sides enjoyed victories. Sidama Bunna came from behind to crush Wolwalo Adigrat University 4-1. After Semere Haftay opened the scoring for Wolwalo Sidama responded through goals from Getahun Bafa (OG) Aschalew Muse Temesgen Mengesha and Abebayehu Ajiso. Remarkably Getahun Bafa became the first player this season to score an own goal. He was also the first player to score an own goal in the previous campaign.
Hawassa Ketema also started strong defeating Dire Dawa Ketema 2-0. Chernet Awush netted the opener while the veteran Getaneh Kebede sealed the win on his debut ensuring the hosts began the campaign in style.
Sunday’s highlight was the Sheger Derby where Kidus Georgis edged archrival Ethiopia Buna 1-0. Fan-favorite Abel Yalew scored the only goal of the game handing the Horsemen victory in the Sheger Derby. The match drew a vibrant crowd of more than 17,000 spectators creating an electric atmosphere at the Addis Ababa Stadium.
Meanwhile in Hawassa Fasil Kenema and Ethiopia Nigd Bank played out a 1-1 draw. Bereket Gizaw struck first against his former club before Zelalem Abebe equalized for the Bankers.
In another thrilling contest Mechal SC clinched a dramatic late 1-0 victory over Wolaitta Dicha with Ugandan import Imoro Manaf scoring in stoppage time to snatch all three points.
The first week concluded with last season’s champions Ethiopia Medhin being held to a goalless draw by Adama Ketema while Bahir Dar City opened their season impressively defeating Hadiya Hossana 3-1. Kindu Bayelgn scored the opener followed by debut goals from Seth Osei and Amanuel Gebremichael. Chala Teshita netted Hossana’s consolation goal.
At Hawassa University Stadium MidreGenet Shire grabbed all three points with a 1-0 win over Mekelle 70 Enderta courtesy of Daniel Darge’s first-half goal.
After a two-day break the CBE Ethiopian Premier League resumes on Thursday Friday and Saturday with the second-week fixtures.
