Addis Ababa City FC have kissed the grass after a season in the Ethiopian Premier League.
City’s second tier league status next season was confirmed yesterday after going down 2-0 to Ethiopian Bunna.
With three rounds of matches to end of the 2016/17 season, the team is rock bottom in the standings with twenty points and can only rise the 15th if they win their remaining two fixtures.
Nigid Bank, who are placed second from behind with 25 points, are hopeful of navigating the relegation quagmire they are currently in.
The bankers, largely known as a mid-table team have found the going tough this season and are fighting for their life in the topflight.
A win against 11th placed Welayta Dicha today in Sodo could propel them up-to 13th in the log and secure their survival.
However, they still have a mountain to climb against giants Bunna and St. George in last two matches.
Nigid’s Ghanaian midfielder Gabriel Jetro believes their current situation was brought about by the administration letting go up-to eight dependable players, without proper replacements.
“Almost eight players left the team by the end of last season but there was no any good replacement.
“The club promoted 14 junior players and it was difficult for them because none of them had the experience,” Jetro told Soka25east.
“We are all doing our best to fight until the end. We are not giving up because in football anything can happen, ” he added.
Also embroiled in relegation dog fight are Dire Dawa, who are a place above the red line.
Any slip-up for them against 8th placed Awassa City could see them drop to the danger zone depending on the Nigid’s outcome.
In the title race, St. George could be declared champions for the 14th time if they beat Mebrat Hayl and their closest challengers Dedebit fall to Adama Kenema.
The horsemen are on 52 points with a game at hand, while the Blues are on 48 points.
