Mekelle Kenema

Beginnings

Fasil Kenema is one of the oldest organized sport teams in Ethiopia. Established in 1968 (1960 E.C.), the club is named after the 17th century Ethiopian emperor Fasilides who ruled Ethiopia from its then capital city Gondar.

Promotion and relegation (2006–2016)

Having played for many years in the second division of Ethiopian football, the Ethiopian Higher League, the club earned its first promotion to the Premier League after the 2006–07 season. In their inaugural campaign, Fasil Kenema struggled to keep pace with most of the clubs. The club's stay in the top tier of Ethiopian football would be short-lived as the club was relegated back to the Higher League.

Return to the Premier League (2016–present)

It would take the club 8 years to reach the Premier League again, by virtue of becoming champions of the 2015–16 Higher League. Fasil Kenema was able to place 6th in the 2016–2017 Premier League, securing their stay in the top tier.

During a game against Welwalo Adigrat, they became the beneficiaries of a bizarre own goal by the Welwalo Adigrat goalkeeper. The goal was crucial as it turned out to be the winner, handing Fasil Kenema all 3 points. Fasil was Ethiopia's representative in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 CAF Confederation Cup by virtue of the club capturing the 2019 Ethiopian Cup. The club lifted its first league title after the 2020–21 season.