The curtains for the 2015/16 Ethiopian Premier League was brought down on Wednesday, 29 June 2016, as Saint George was decorated champions in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Addis Ababa Stadium.
The capital-based club emerged champions of the elite division once again, for the 27th time and 13 since the 1997/98 season, when the league was restructured.
The capital-based club emerged champions of the elite division once again, for the 27th time and 13 since the 1997/98 season, when the league was restructured.
The champions rounded up the season with a 2-1 victory over Hawassa City, in a game the former were clearly the dominant force. However, it was Gadisa Mebrate who almost handed Hawassa a surprising lead in the 16th minute but his effort was parried by Saint George custodian Robert Odongkara. Two minutes later veteran striker Adane Girma tested Hawassa’s defence with a header which came off the upright.
Saint George broke the deadlock a minute after recess after a Behaliu Asefa low shot found unmarked Girma, who slotted home from close range.
Four minutes later, winger Ramkel Lok rounded Hawassa keeper Yohannis Bezabeh for the second goal.
Hawassa got a chance to pull one back from the spot after Asecahlew Tamene brought down Medhane Tadesse inside the area. Captain Mulugeta Mihrete made no mistake by halving the deficit in the 83th minute. It was emotional for Mihrete, a former international who bid farewell to the game after years of service.
Saint George finished the season with 55 points, 10 points more than runner-up Ethiopian Coffee. Adama City for the second season running finished in the top three.
Dashen Beer and Hadiya Hossana could not survive the relegation battle, and will play in the second-tier next season.
Saint George’s Ugandan goalie Robert Odongkara was adjudged ‘Goalkeeper of the season’ for the fifth time in a row, after conceding 12 goals all season.
Saint George broke the deadlock a minute after recess after a Behaliu Asefa low shot found unmarked Girma, who slotted home from close range.
Four minutes later, winger Ramkel Lok rounded Hawassa keeper Yohannis Bezabeh for the second goal.
Hawassa got a chance to pull one back from the spot after Asecahlew Tamene brought down Medhane Tadesse inside the area. Captain Mulugeta Mihrete made no mistake by halving the deficit in the 83th minute. It was emotional for Mihrete, a former international who bid farewell to the game after years of service.
Saint George finished the season with 55 points, 10 points more than runner-up Ethiopian Coffee. Adama City for the second season running finished in the top three.
Dashen Beer and Hadiya Hossana could not survive the relegation battle, and will play in the second-tier next season.
Saint George’s Ugandan goalie Robert Odongkara was adjudged ‘Goalkeeper of the season’ for the fifth time in a row, after conceding 12 goals all season.
“When you are champion, you have to be glad. A lot of clubs tried but they failed, so it is a privilege to be champions. I really appreciate the Ethiopian Football Federation for this recognition (best goalkeeper). Being the best for a fifth time shows that I have been working very hard. It won’t make me to relax, rather work harder and win more and more accolades. Above all without the support of the fans, I would not get this award. I really want to thank Saint George for believing in me,” an elated Odongkara told CAFOnline.com.
His club-mate Asecahlew Tamene was named ‘Most Valuable Player’ whilst Adama City forward Tafese Tesfaye scooped the top scorer gong after netting 15 goals.
Belay Tadesse went home with ‘Referee of the Year’ prize, with the Fair Play prize going to army team, Defence Force.
His club-mate Asecahlew Tamene was named ‘Most Valuable Player’ whilst Adama City forward Tafese Tesfaye scooped the top scorer gong after netting 15 goals.
Belay Tadesse went home with ‘Referee of the Year’ prize, with the Fair Play prize going to army team, Defence Force.
By: Cafonline.com
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