Saint George SC and Sheger Ketema played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in the Ethiopia Premier League on Monday, 26 October 2026, with a late equaliser denying the hosts full points at Addis Ababa Stadium. Saint George had come from behind to lead in the second half, but Sheger Ketema responded with a well-worked goal of their own to ensure the evening kick-off ended with the spoils shared.

The result underlined the competitive nature of the Ethiopian top flight, where established giants such as Saint George SC are regularly tested by organised, ambitious opponents. For Sheger Ketema, the draw represented another sign of progress; for Saint George, it was a night of mixed emotions after twice responding to difficult moments in the match.

Match overview: Saint George SC 2-2 Sheger Ketema

Sheger Ketema made the brighter start and stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the 12th minute. A quick transition caught Saint George’s back line for numbers, and Dawit Fikadu finished calmly after being played through on the right side of the penalty area. The early goal forced Saint George to increase the tempo, and the hosts began to dominate possession as the first half wore on.

Saint George’s pressure finally told in the 34th minute when Bereket Wolde rose highest to meet a corner from the left and powered a header into the net. That equaliser changed the mood inside the stadium, and the home side finished the first half with renewed confidence, moving the ball quickly through midfield and forcing Sheger Ketema into a deeper defensive block.

The second half brought a sharper Saint George performance. In the 58th minute, Mikiyas Tesfaye collected the ball just outside the box, shifted on to his favoured foot and curled a low effort beyond the goalkeeper to put the hosts 2-1 ahead. Saint George continued to push for a third, but Sheger Ketema stayed in the contest and found a response in the 81st minute when Kenean Markos converted from close range after a set-piece scramble.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Sheger Ketema take the lead through Dawit Fikadu after a fast counter-attack.
• 34th minute: Saint George SC equalise as Bereket Wolde heads home from a corner.
• 58th minute: Mikiyas Tesfaye curls Saint George into a 2-1 lead.
• 81st minute: Kenean Markos levels for Sheger Ketema after a set-piece scramble.
• 90+ minutes: Saint George press for a winner, but Sheger Ketema defend resolutely to hold on for a point.

Tactical story: possession against counter-attack

The match developed into a clear tactical contrast. Saint George SC controlled the ball for long spells, using their full-backs to stretch Sheger Ketema and creating overloads in wide areas. Their best moments came when midfield runners arrived late in the box, and the equalising goal from a corner highlighted their threat from set pieces.

Sheger Ketema, meanwhile, were content to sit in a compact mid-block and attack in transition. Their opening goal was a perfect example of that approach: a quick turnover, a direct pass into space and a composed finish. Even after falling behind in the second half, they maintained their shape and were rewarded when a late set piece created the chance for Kenean Markos to score.

The game also underlined the importance of game management in the Ethiopia Premier League. Saint George had chances to kill the contest after taking the lead, but Sheger’s resilience and willingness to keep attacking kept the match alive until the final whistle.

Standout performers

Bereket Wolde was central to Saint George’s comeback, not only for his first-half header but also for his link-up play between midfield and attack. Mikiyas Tesfaye produced the moment of the match with his second-half finish and looked the most likely player to create something in the final third. For Sheger Ketema, Dawit Fikadu’s pace and movement caused problems throughout, while Kenean Markos showed composure to take the late chance that earned his side a draw.

Both goalkeepers also deserve credit for important saves at key moments, particularly in the final 10 minutes when Saint George pushed forward in search of a winner. The draw may not have produced a decisive result, but it offered plenty of evidence about the quality and intensity of the Ethiopian Premier League.

What the draw means for the table

Saint George SC add a point to their tally but will feel they left two behind after leading in the second half. The draw keeps them in the early-season title conversation, though they will need to turn d