Ethiopian Coffee edged eternal rivals St. George 1-0 to bag the bragging rights in the biggest football rivalry in Ethiopia christened “Sheger derby” on Sunday.
Nigerian import Eko Favour struck the lone goal in the 26th minute to spark wild celebrations – led by Coffee’s under pressure Serbian boss Vebojsa Vucicevic, who could not hide his joy.
Earlier, long ques were witnessed as thousands lined up to access Addis Ababa Stadium, where the 36th edition of the derby was played.
Coffee, who had only won once prior to the derby, climbed to 9th in the Ethiopian Premier League table on 8 points after the big win, while faltering St. George, who are the defending champions, dropped to third on 14 points.
On Saturday, Dedebit stormed to the summit of the log on 17 points, after a hard fought 2-1 victory over Nigid Bank at Addis Stadium.
Red hot Getaneh Kebede struck a brace in the 17th and 47th minutes respectively to seal the important victory.
The Ethiopian international, who returned to the local scene after a stint in the South African League, tops the scorers chart with 8 goals in 8 fixtures.
Adama City, who edged Jimma Aba Bunna 1-0 in the “Oromia Derby” on Saturday, are joined top of the standings but with inferior goal difference.
Full Week 8 Results:
Saturday 31
Dedebit 2 – Ethiopia Nigid Bank 1
Defence 2 – Addis-Ababa City 1
wolaitta Dicha 1 – woldia City 0
Fasil kenema 0 – Ethio Electric 0
Sidama coffee 3 – Hawassa City 1
Dire-Dawa city 0 – Arbaminch City 1
Adama city 1 – Jimma Aba Bunna 0
Sunday 1
Ethiopian Coffee 1-0 St. George
