In a thrilling Ethiopia Premier League encounter at the Addis Ababa Stadium, Ethiopia Nigd Bank and Bahir Dar Kenema FC played out an absorbing 2-2 draw on 3 July 2026. The result kept both sides in the hunt for crucial points in the congested mid-table battle, with each team showcasing resilience and attacking flair despite the high-altitude humidity.

Match Overview

The game started at a frantic pace, with Ethiopia Nigd Bank looking to assert their home advantage early. Their aggressive pressing paid off in the 12th minute when a swift counter-attack caught the Bahir Dar defence flat-footed. Striker Mulugeta Tesfaye pounced on a loose ball inside the box and slotted home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. However, Bahir Dar Kenema FC responded with composure, equalising in the 28th minute through a well-worked set piece. Midfielder Fikru Alemayehu rose highest to meet a corner, powering a header past the helpless goalkeeper.

The first half ended 1-1, with both teams having chances to take the lead. Ethiopia Nigd Bank’s midfield controlled possession, while Bahir Dar relied on quick transitions and physicality.

Second-Half Drama

The second half continued in the same vein. Ethiopia Nigd Bank regained the lead in the 63rd minute when Abdi Mohammed capitalised on a defensive error, rounding the keeper and finishing into an empty net. The home crowd roared, sensing a first win in three matches. But Bahir Dar Kenema FC refused to wilt. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when a long-range strike from Addisu Getachew took a deflection off a defender and looped over the stranded goalkeeper. It was a fortuitous goal, but one that underlined Bahir Dar’s never-say-die attitude.

Tactical Story

Ethiopia Nigd Bank lined up in a 4-3-3, looking to exploit width and deliver crosses into the box. Their full‑backs were active in the final third, but the final ball often let them down. Bahir Dar Kenema FC, set up in a compact 4-4-2, absorbed pressure and hit on the break. Their two strikers worked tirelessly to close down the opposition defence, forcing the errors that led to both goals. The midfield battle was evenly matched, with both teams winning roughly 50% of duels.

Standout Players

• Mulugeta Tesfaye (Ethiopia Nigd Bank) – A constant threat with his pace and movement, he scored one and created several openings.
• Fikru Alemayehu (Bahir Dar Kenema FC) – Dominant in the air and effective in breaking up play, he also netted the equaliser.
• Abdi Mohammed (Ethiopia Nigd Bank) – His clinical finish in the second half showed his predatory instincts, even though he faded late on.
• Addisu Getachew (Bahir Dar Kenema FC) – His speculative effort brought Bahir Dar back into the game; his energy in midfield was vital.

Season Impact and Context

The point lifted Ethiopia Nigd Bank to 9th place in the Ethiopia Premier League standings with 27 points, while Bahir Dar Kenema FC moved to 11th on 24 points. For the home side, the draw snapped a two-match losing streak but extended their winless run to three games. Head coach Assefa Teshale will be concerned about defensive lapses that have cost his team valuable points. Meanwhile, Bahir Dar manager Gebremedhin Abebe praised his team’s character: “To come back twice away from home shows the spirit we are building. We must now turn draws into wins.”

The match also featured a yellow card for each side, with both teams displaying commitment but struggling to find consistency. As the season enters its crucial final stretch, every point matters, and this draw could prove significant for survival or a push for a mid-table finish.