Sidama Bunna 1–1 Negele Arsi: Stalemate Leaves Both Frustrated in Ethiopia Premier League

A share of the spoils was the outcome as Sidama Bunna and Negele Arsi played out a 1‑1 draw at the Sidama Bunna Stadium on 20 June 2026. The result keeps both sides in mid‑table limbo, with neither able to seize a decisive advantage despite periods of dominance.

Match Overview

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams cautious in possession. Sidama Bunna had the better of the early chances, hitting the crossbar from a free kick. However, it was Negele Arsi who opened the scoring just before the interval. A swift counter‑attack caught the home defence flat‑footed, and the visiting striker finished from a tight angle.

Sidama Bunna came out with renewed purpose after the break. They equalised in the 57th minute when a corner was met by a powerful header from the centre‑back. The hosts pushed for a winner, but Negele Arsi defended resolutely and even had a late goal disallowed for offside. The draw was a fair reflection of the balance of play.

Key Moments

• 43' – Negele Arsi goal: A breakaway from midfield, the ball was slipped through to the forward who finished first‑time.
• 57' – Sidama Bunna equaliser: A well‑delivered corner was met by a firm header that flew into the net.
• 88' – Disallowed goal: Negele Arsi thought they had won it, but the flag was raised for a marginal offside.

Standout Players

Sidama Bunna’s centre‑back was a colossus at both ends, scoring the equaliser and making several crucial clearances. For Negele Arsi, the goalkeeper made three fine saves to keep his side in the game, especially in the second half.

Table Context

The point keeps Sidama Bunna in seventh place, five points behind the top four. Negele Arsi remain a place below, with both teams needing to string together wins to make a serious push for the upper half.