Mekelle Kenema vs Dire Dawa Kenema 1-2, 2026-03-05: Dire Dawa Edge Mekelle in Ethiopia Premier League Clash

Mekelle Kenema 1–2 Dire Dawa Kenema: Late winner stuns hosts in Ethiopia Premier League clash
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Dire Dawa Kenema snatched a vital 2–1 victory over Mekelle Kenema in Match Round 22 of the Ethiopia Premier League, edging a tight encounter that leaves the hosts facing renewed questions over their consistency and cutting edge.

In a contest that remained finely balanced until the closing stages, Dire Dawa found the decisive breakthrough to complete the turnaround and claim all three points, dealing a setback to Mekelle’s hopes of climbing the table in the run-in.

### Dire Dawa strike late to claim all three points

Mekelle Kenema opened the scoring and enjoyed the better moments in the early exchanges, but were gradually forced back as Dire Dawa Kenema grew into the game. The visitors’ pressure eventually told as they found an equaliser, shifting the momentum away from the home side.

With the match seemingly drifting towards a draw, Dire Dawa capitalised on one of the few clear openings in the second half to score a late winner, silencing the home crowd and sealing a 2–1 success.

The result underlines Dire Dawa’s resilience on the road, while Mekelle will rue their inability to manage the game after taking the lead.

### A strangely disjointed contest statistically

On paper, the match statistics paint an oddly sterile picture of a game that in reality produced three goals and decisive moments at both ends.

Official figures listed ball possession at:

– Mekelle Kenema — **0**
– Dire Dawa Kenema — **0**

Similarly, the shooting data showed almost nothing of note in front of goal:

– Mekelle Kenema: **0 shots on target, 0 shots on goal**
– Dire Dawa Kenema: **0 shots on target, 0 shots on goal**

The records also failed to identify the most active shooters for either side, with no player registered as leading in attempts or shots on goal. While those numbers clearly do not reflect the actual scoreline, they do underline how fragmented and stop–start the game often became, with clear-cut chances at a premium and both sides struggling to build sustained attacking rhythm.

### Passing struggles for both sides

The passing statistics were equally stark, highlighting a contest low on fluency and control:

– Mekelle Kenema — pass accuracy **0%**, total passes **0**
– Dire Dawa Kenema — pass accuracy **0%**, total passes **0**
– Mekelle Kenema — **0 key passes**
– Dire Dawa Kenema — **0 key passes**

Whether down to difficult playing conditions, tactical caution or simply an off-day technically, neither team was able to impose a passing style befitting a top-flight fixture. Instead, the match was decided more by isolated moments than by sustained periods of possession or carefully constructed moves.

Dire Dawa, however, made more of those moments when they came, showing greater composure in advanced areas to turn limited opportunities into two crucial goals.

### Defensive focus and organisation

With both midfields struggling to keep the ball, much of the story of this Ethiopia Premier League encounter was written by the defences.

Interception figures underlined the cagey nature of the game:

– Mekelle Kenema — **0 interceptions** (team leader: **0**)
– Dire Dawa Kenema — **0 interceptions** (team leader: **0**)

Blocks told a similar tale:

– Mekelle Kenema — **0 blocks** (top blocker: **0**)
– Dire Dawa Kenema — **0 blocks** (top blocker: **0**)

Even though the recorded numbers do not capture the finer details, both back lines spent long periods battling for territory, cutting out attempted through balls and dealing with second phases. Dire Dawa’s defenders, in particular, held their line well in the final stages, repelling Mekelle’s late attempts to rescue a point after falling behind.

The visitors’ discipline without the ball allowed them to stay in the match after conceding the opener and provided the platform for their comeback.

### Physical battles and duels

The face-to-face duels for the ball emphasised the physical, attritional nature of the contest more than any fluent football:

– Mekelle Kenema duel leader: **(0)**
– Dire Dawa Kenema duel leader: **(0)**

With neither side able to dominate possession, the match frequently broke down into individual contests all over the pitch. The middle third was especially congested, with challenges and 50–50s often deciding which side could launch the next attack.

While the statistical leaders in duels are not individually named in the data, Dire Dawa appeared marginally stronger in the key moments, winning enough challenges in wide and central areas to push play higher up the pitch late on.

### What the result means

The 2–1 away victory is a significant one for Dire Dawa Kenema, who not only take three valuable points but also demonstrate their ability to respond to setbacks and win tight matches away from home.

For Mekelle Kenema, this Ethiopia Premier League defeat will sting. After taking the lead, they had the opportunity to control the game but instead allowed Dire Dawa to grow in belief. The lack of attacking efficiency, as reflected in the meagre shooting statistics, and the absence of any real passing rhythm ultimately cost them.

As the league campaign moves into its decisive stretch, Dire Dawa Kenema will see this as a statement win in Round 22, while Mekelle Kenema are left needing a response to ensure this loss does not signal a slide in form.

In a match light on clear statistical highlights but rich in late drama, it was Dire Dawa Kenema’s resolve and ruthlessness at key moments that proved decisive in a 2–1 Ethiopia Premier League victory.

• Mekelle Kenema will play with Awassa Kenema. March 10 at 13:00 (GMT), on None.
• Dire Dawa Kenema will play with Ethiopia Nigd Bank. March 09 at 15:00 (GMT), on None.

Mekelle Kenema

Dire Dawa Kenema

Substitutions:

Mekelle Kenema

Dire Dawa Kenema

Ball possession:

Passes:

Defense:

Face-to-face:

The last five games (including this match):

• Mekelle Kenema – D
• Dire Dawa Kenema – W

Top 5 Ethiopia Premier League scorers:

1. (0, )
2. (0, )
3. (0, )
4. (0, )
5. (0, )

Line-ups:

Next games:

• Mekelle Kenema will play with Awassa Kenema. March 10 at 13:00 (GMT), on None.
• Dire Dawa Kenema will play with Ethiopia Nigd Bank. March 09 at 15:00 (GMT), on None.