Hawassa City 1-1 Ethiopia Nigd Bank: Honours Even in Ethiopia Premier League Clash

Hawassa City and Ethiopia Nigd Bank played out a competitive 1-1 draw in the Ethiopia Premier League on Thursday night, with both sides taking a point from a match that offered spells of pressure, a well-worked opening goal and a second-half response. The result keeps the two teams locked in a tight mid-table picture as the league campaign continues to take shape.

Played under the lights at Hawassa Stadium, the contest began with the home side setting the tempo in front of their supporters. Hawassa City pressed high, moved the ball quickly through midfield and forced Ethiopia Nigd Bank into a series of early clearances. The visitors gradually settled, though, and the game developed into an evenly matched affair with chances at both ends.

Match overview

Hawassa City’s bright start was rewarded in the 24th minute when Fikru Alemayehu opened the scoring. A quick turnover in the Nigd Bank half allowed the home side to shift the ball wide before a low cross was met inside the penalty area. Alemayehu’s first-time finish gave the Hawassa City supporters something to celebrate and set the tone for a lively first half.

Ethiopia Nigd Bank responded well to going behind. The visitors began to enjoy more possession in central areas, with Abel Mulugeta and Surafel Dagnachew linking play and drawing fouls in dangerous positions. Their best chance of the opening period arrived shortly before half-time, but a close-range header was directed straight at the Hawassa City goalkeeper.

The equaliser arrived in the 61st minute from the penalty spot. Getaneh Tesfaye stepped up after a handball was penalised inside the box and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, leveling the score and changing the momentum of the contest. From that point, both teams pushed for a winner without ever fully controlling the closing stages.

Key moments

• 24th minute: Fikru Alemayehu gives Hawassa City a 1-0 lead with a composed finish after a quick attacking move.
• 38th minute: Ethiopia Nigd Bank threaten from a set piece, but the Hawassa City goalkeeper stands firm.
• 61st minute: Getaneh Tesfaye converts a penalty to bring Ethiopia Nigd Bank level at 1-1.
• 78th minute: Hawassa City’s Bereket Wolde forces a sharp save at the near post as the home side search for a second goal.
• 90+3 minutes: Nigd Bank clear a late corner and the referee brings an entertaining contest to an end.

Tactical story

Hawassa City’s approach was built on energy and quick transitions. The home side looked to win the ball back high and attack the space behind the Nigd Bank full-backs, and that plan produced the opener. Alemayehu’s movement in the box was a constant problem, while the midfield worked hard to close down second balls.

Ethiopia Nigd Bank grew into the game by slowing the tempo and using their midfield to circulate possession. Their equaliser came from a set-piece situation, but the visitors also created chances in open play during the second half. As the game opened up, both teams had moments to win it, though neither could find a decisive final touch.

Standout performers

Fikru Alemayehu was central to Hawassa City’s attacking threat, not only for his goal but also for his link-up play and willingness to run in behind. Bereket Wolde provided energy from midfield and came close to a winner in the second half. For Ethiopia Nigd Bank, Getaneh Tesfaye’s composed penalty was the obvious highlight, while Abel Mulugeta’s control in possession helped the visitors recover from a difficult opening spell.

What the draw means

The point keeps both teams in the congested middle section of the Ethiopia Premier League standings, where consistency will be key over the coming weeks. Hawassa City will feel they did enough to claim all three points on home soil, while Ethiopia Nigd Bank will take encouragement from their second-half response and the resilience shown after conceding early.

Draws of this kind can matter in the final standings, especially in a league where home form and defensive discipline often shape the season. Both sides now turn their attention to the next round of fixtures, looking to convert promising spells into full three-point returns.

Next up

Hawassa City will aim to build on the attacking moments that earned them a point, while Ethiopia Nigd Bank will focus on turning their improved possession into more clear-cut chances. The Ethiopia Premier League campaign remains tightly packed, and both clubs will be eager to move up the table in their next outings.