The 2026 World Cup qualifier game between Ethiopia and Sierra Leone ended in a 0-0 draw. 

Kenean Markneh on the ball- pic via Ethiopian Football Federation

The Ethiopian national team can only manage a point against Sierra Leone in its first competitive game under new coach Gebremedin Haile. 

The team was relatively unchanged from previous selections under the last two managers. The big absentees were Shemeles Bekele and Abubeker Nassir who both missed out because of injuries. 

Chernet Gugsa, Kenean Markneh, and Abel Yalew were the front three. Without a true number nine, The Waliyas struggled to convert their opportunities. 

One of the biggest misses in the first half was from Ethiopia Medin’s Wogene Gezahegn. On the other hand a hasty error from Seid Habtamu almost offered Sierra Leone a goal as the Ethiopian goalkeeper rushed from his line to clear a ball and totally missed. In a rather dull first half the two sides didn’t offer many talking points. 

The second half didn’t start on time because of the foggy conditions in the stadium. There were a total of three interruptions in the game but the referees decided to play on despite the difficult conditions. 

The second half was even more devoid of lively action as the two sides failed to break the deadlock. 

One thing we have noticed from the Ethiopian side is their ability to move the ball quicker. But the players failed to make the right decisions in the final third. 

Ethiopia will play the next qualifier against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.