Hawassa, Addis Ababa emerge U-20 champions

Hawassa Town won the ten team Ethiopian Under-20 group “A” top table after unexpected away victory over runner-up Saint George while Addis Ababa Town emerged winner of group “B”. An eight side play-off is expected to take place in Hawassa next month.
Home side Saint George was the favorite for having two chances and playing on its own turf. But failure to get through the strong Hawassa defensive line and then conceding a goal in the final minutes of the first half, followed by a pouring heavy rain, the visitors managed a 1-0 victory to win the group. Eleven wins, six draws and only one defeat, Hawassa tops the group two points clear collecting 39 points from sixteen matches. Saint George finished runner-up with 37 points from 11 wins, four draws and three defeats. Wolayta Dicha stood third collecting 34 followed by Mekelakya four points behind. The team which Ethiopian Football Federation boasts for being home of elite youth talents, Ethiopian Youth Sport Academy finished bottom of the table with a humiliating record. EYSA managed only a single win, two draws and 15 defeats scoring only 7 while conceding 47 goals.
Addis Ababa Town won group “B” four points clear of runner up Adama Town. Ten wins, three draws and three defeats Addis Ababa stood on top having 33 points while Adama settled for second place with 29 points. Gondor based Fasil Town finished third collecting 27 points from 18 matches while Medin (Insurance) finished fourth with 23 points.
A one round playoff tournament is to take place in Hawassa bringing together four sides from each of the groups.