Dire Dawa Kenema vs Negelle Arsi Match Recap - Dec 30, 2025

Negelle Arsi Dominates Dire Dawa Kenema in a 3-0 Victory, Shifting Momentum in the Premier League

Negelle Arsi's emphatic 3-0 victory over Dire Dawa Kenema marks a significant turning point in their season, showcasing their resurgence after a shaky stretch. This win not only elevates them to eighth place but also highlights their ability to capitalize on opportunities, a stark contrast to Dire Dawa's struggles in front of goal.

Kemal opened the scoring early, setting the tone for Negelle's commanding performance. His goal reflects a growing confidence within the squad, especially after their recent narrow win against Welwalo Adigrat Uni. The tactical adjustments made by Negelle's coaching staff have clearly paid off, allowing them to exploit weaknesses in their opponents' defenses effectively. This victory reinforces their potential as they aim for a stronger finish in the league.

Dire Dawa Kenema's recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches. Despite a promising victory against Ethiopia Bunna just days prior, they failed to build on that momentum. Their inability to convert possession into meaningful chances was evident throughout the match. Averaging 55% possession in recent games, they struggled to penetrate Negelle's organized defense, resulting in a lack of clear scoring opportunities.

Solomon's goal in the 78th minute further emphasized Negelle's dominance. His performance has been pivotal in recent matches, and this goal adds to his growing reputation as a key player for the team. Solomon's ability to find space and finish clinically under pressure has been crucial for Negelle, and he continues to be a player to watch as the season progresses.

Dire Dawa's defensive frailties were exposed throughout the match, particularly in transition. They have shown resilience in previous games, managing to salvage draws even when trailing, but today they were unable to respond effectively to Negelle's counter-attacks. The lack of cohesion in their backline allowed Negelle to exploit gaps, leading to a third goal deep into stoppage time from an unknown player, sealing the match decisively.

The contrasting fortunes of both teams are evident when examining their recent performances. Negelle Arsi has shown signs of improvement, with two wins in their last five matches, while Dire Dawa has struggled to find consistency. The psychological impact of this defeat could weigh heavily on Dire Dawa as they prepare for their next match against Bahardar. They must regroup quickly to avoid further slipping down the standings.

Looking ahead, Negelle Arsi will face Mekelakeya next, where they will aim to build on this momentum. Their recent form suggests they are finding their rhythm at just the right time, and if they can maintain this level of performance, they could challenge for a higher league position.

Dire Dawa Kenema must address their attacking inefficiencies before their upcoming fixture. With only five goals scored in their last five matches, they need to find a way to convert possession into goals if they hope to climb the table. The pressure is mounting as they seek to regain their footing in the league.

This match serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football; one team's resurgence can often come at the expense of another's struggles. For Negelle Arsi, today was a statement victory that could define their season moving forward. For Dire Dawa Kenema, it is back to the drawing board as they look to rediscover their form and confidence.