Defence Force ETH earned a resilient 1-0 away win against Hawassa City in the Ethiopia Premier League on Sunday, 11 October 2026. An early penalty proved decisive at Hawassa International Stadium, as Defence Force ETH withstood long spells of pressure to take all three points.

Match Overview

Hawassa City began the match with attacking intent, but their plans were disrupted in the 14th minute when Defence Force ETH were awarded a penalty. Samuel Girma stepped up and converted confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The goal gave the visitors something to defend, and they dropped into a compact 4-5-1 shape for much of the contest.

Hawassa City dominated possession after falling behind and created several chances either side of half-time. However, Defence Force ETH’s goalkeeper Daniel Assefa produced a string of saves, and the defence blocked a number of shots in the penalty area. A late disallowed goal added to Hawassa’s frustration, and Defence Force held on through stoppage time.

Key Moments

• 14’ — Samuel Girma converts a penalty to put Defence Force ETH 1-0 up.
• 34’ — Hawassa City’s striker forces a fine save with a header from a cross.
• 56’ — Daniel Assefa makes a double save to preserve the lead.
• 72’ — Hawassa City have a goal ruled out for offside after a rebound is turned in.
• 88’ — Defence Force ETH clear a goal-bound effort off the line.
• 90+4’ — A final Hawassa City corner is claimed by Assefa, sealing the win.

Tactical Story

Hawassa City lined up in a 4-3-3 and looked to overload the wings, but Defence Force ETH’s midfield five crowded the central areas and forced play wide. The visitors were happy to defend crosses and then counter through quick breaks. Their early penalty allowed them to sit deeper and protect the lead, a game plan they executed almost perfectly.

Defence Force ETH’s back four stayed compact, with the full-backs rarely venturing forward after the goal. Hawassa City’s manager made attacking substitutions in the second half, but the visitors’ goalkeeper was in outstanding form. The disallowed goal was a turning point, and Hawassa’s frustration grew as the clock ran down.

Standout Players

• Samuel Girma (Defence Force ETH) — scored the winning penalty and worked hard defensively.
• Daniel Assefa (Defence Force ETH) — produced a man-of-the-match performance with multiple saves.
• Tewodros Molla (Hawassa City) — kept his team in the game with important early saves before the penalty.
• Hawassa City’s central midfielder — dictated tempo and created chances, but could not find the equaliser.

Season Impact

The away win lifts Defence Force ETH in the Ethiopia Premier League standings and gives them confidence for the next round of fixtures. Hawassa City remain with work to do after failing to turn possession into points at home. The head-to-head result will be remembered as a lesson in game management, and Hawassa will need to respond quickly to keep their season on track.