Hawassa City and Ethiopian Insurance played out a 1-1 draw in the Ethiopia Premier League on Saturday, 17 October 2026, in a match that delivered contrast in styles but no separated winner. Hawassa City enjoyed more possession, while Ethiopian Insurance defended well and carried a threat on the break.

The home side started brightly and moved the ball with purpose in midfield, but they found it difficult to break down a compact Insurance defence. The visitors grew into the game and took the lead in the 27th minute when Abel Tesfaye finished a quick counterattack with a low shot into the corner. It was a sharp reminder of Insurance’s ability to punish teams against the run of play.

Match overview

Hawassa City responded well to going behind. They increased the tempo, pushed their full-backs higher and began to create chances from wide areas. The equaliser arrived in the 61st minute through Bereket Alemu, who connected with a cross from the left and guided the ball past the goalkeeper. The goal lifted the home crowd and set up an open final half-hour.

Both teams had moments to win it. Hawassa City dominated territory late on, but Ethiopian Insurance remained dangerous on the counter and forced the home goalkeeper into a fine save. In the end, a draw felt like a fair reflection of a game in which neither side did quite enough to claim all three points.

Key moments

• 27th minute: Abel Tesfaye gives Ethiopian Insurance a 1-0 lead on the counterattack.
• 61st minute: Bereket Alemu equalises for Hawassa City with a close-range finish.
• 74th minute: Hawassa City head narrowly over from a corner.
• 88th minute: Ethiopian Insurance force a strong save from the home goalkeeper.

Tactical story

Hawassa City’s approach was built on possession and width, with their midfield looking to feed the forwards in the channels. They were patient at times but lacked a final pass in the first half. Ethiopian Insurance sat deeper, defended the central areas and looked to release their forwards quickly when they won the ball.

The draw highlighted both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. Hawassa City showed character to come back and created enough chances to win, but their finishing let them down. Ethiopian Insurance proved organised and resilient, though they may feel they could have held on after taking the lead.

Standout performers

Bereket Alemu was the key figure for Hawassa City, scoring the equaliser and linking play well in the second half. The home goalkeeper also made an important late save. For Ethiopian Insurance, Abel Tesfaye was the standout attacker, while their central defenders produced a disciplined performance under pressure.

Ethiopia Premier League impact

The point keeps both clubs moving forward in the Ethiopia Premier League table, though neither will be fully satisfied. Hawassa City will want to turn home dominance into victories, while Ethiopian Insurance will take confidence from an away point against a strong opponent. In a league where consistency is often decisive, both sides will view this as a result to build on rather than a defining moment.