Monday, January 12, 2026

Kassaye under pressure following the humiliating 4-1 derby defeat

The 4-1 demolition at the hands of bitter rival St George, Ethiopia Bunna supporters are seriously questioning whether 120,000 Birr a month Kassaye Arage is the right person to bring back the old glory days.
In addition to the aggregate two-leg Confederation Cup defeat to Sudanese side AlHilal, a 3-1City Cup tournament opening defeat to Bahirdar, followed by a 2-1 loss to Sebeta and a 1-0 narrow win over Addis Ababa Ketema, many speculated Ethiopia Bunna has no chance to be among the title contenders.
In the new league season first derby match, Kassaye’s squad was far lower than fans expectations not only in the humiliating defeat but also with nothing to show as a team ready to do battle. Even last season’s most valuable player in the league Abubaker Naser could do nothing except running around to no avail.
A single win in past seven matches including the two leg Confederation Cup qualifications matches, conceding seven goals while scoring only three, Kassaye’s statements to build a strong squad capable of winning the league title appeared a daydream.
A disorganized defense, a sloppy midfield and disarrayed strike force, Kassaye appears just half way into building his squad. “The 4-1 defeat is the beginning of the end of Kassaye’s era at Ethiopia Bunna,” a fan remarked after the humiliating derby defeat. “Kassaye’s game plan of ball possession is nothing but a fake bravado story,” the fan added.
Considering the recent seven matches including the City Cup tournament, Kassaye’s game plan of ball possession is nothing but a fake bravado story.
The 4-1 demolition against St George showed that Ethiopia Bunna is hardly in a class against the title contenders. “It is a physically weak side and hardly functioning as a team. Football is not just about passing balls around but a win,” a much disappointed club supporter suggested.
The club’s patriarch Lieutenant Fekade Mamo is monitoring situations from Kassaye’s strong support base, Ethiopia Bunna Supporters’ Association is said to cook something following this shaky form.

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