Welwalo Adigrat and Mekelle 70 Enderta Battle to Goalless Draw in Ethiopia Cup

The Ethiopia Cup served up a tense and tightly contested affair on May 25, 2026, as Welwalo Adigrat and Mekelle 70 Enderta played out a 0-0 draw at a neutral venue. Neither side could find the back of the net despite both teams creating half-chances in a match dominated by defensive organization and midfield stalemates.

Match Overview

Kicking off at 20:00 local time, the encounter was expected to be a fiery derby-like clash given the regional rivalry between the two clubs from the Tigray region. However, the first half was largely a tactical chess match, with both sides wary of exposing themselves on the counter. Welwalo Adigrat, playing in their distinctive red and white stripes, saw early possession but struggled to break down a well-drilled Mekelle 70 Enderta backline.

Key Moments

• 15th minute: Welwalo's striker, Fitsum Gebremichael, fired a low drive from the edge of the box that was tipped around the post by Mekelle goalkeeper Tekleberhan Haile.
• 34th minute: Mekelle responded with a powerful header from a corner that went just over the crossbar, their best chance of the first half.
• 67th minute: A controversial moment as Welwalo appealed for a penalty after a challenge in the box, but the referee waved play on.
• 80th minute: Mekelle's midfielder, Mulugeta Aregawi, saw his long-range effort parried away by the Welwalo shot-stopper.

Tactical Story

The match was defined by a lack of cutting edge in the final third. Welwalo Adigrat attempted to dominate possession through short passing combinations, but Mekelle 70 Enderta employed a disciplined 4-4-2 shape that congested the central areas. Both teams' full-backs were reluctant to push forward, resulting in few crosses into the box. The midfield battle was fierce, with both sides committing fouls to disrupt rhythm—a total of 28 fouls were recorded.

Standout Players

• Tekleberhan Haile (Mekelle): The goalkeeper made three solid saves to preserve his clean sheet, showing excellent command of his area.
• Hailemariam Desta (Welwalo): The central defender was composed under pressure, making numerous clearances and interceptions to keep the score level.

Season Impact

The result leaves both sides in a tight group stage of the Ethiopia Cup, with each team now sitting on one point from two matches. The goalless draw means that goal difference remains even, and qualification for the knockout rounds could come down to the final group games. Welwalo Adigrat will need to be more clinical in front of goal, while Mekelle 70 Enderta will take confidence from their defensive solidity.

For the fans, it was a frustrating evening with few clear-cut chances, but the intensity and commitment of both sides ensured a competitive spectacle. The Ethiopia Cup continues to provide a platform for regional pride and emerging talent in Ethiopian football.