Ethiopia and Sierra Leone failed to capitalize on their numerous chances as they played out to a 0-0 draw in an international friendly played at Bahir Dar Stadium on Thursday.
Despite an entertaining first half, chances were at a premium as both teams struggled to build a head of steam for the business start of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign which starts next month.
Following a confident start from Ethiopia, the hosts could have gone in front after 12 minutes when Yihun Endeshaw’s free-kick was saved by Mohamed Kamara.
The visitors then had their keeper to thank again from the resulting corner as Kamara blocked Solomon Tafeze’s close range effort.
Tafeze was proving the focal point for all of Ethiopia’s attacking play in the first half and the striker went close in the 22nd minute, flashing a snapshot just wide of the right post after some good build-up play.
But Sierra Leone looked dangerous on the break and the nearly found the back on the net on 42nd minute when Saiud Fofonah missed an excellent chance to make it 1-0.
The attacking midfielder was played through on goal by Prince Barrie but he sent his chipped shot high over the bar.
Ethiopia enjoyed more possession in the second half but opportunities were hard to come by as the game began to peter out.
Chernet Gugasa squandered an opportunity to after the hour mark, the striker was picked out by Mesoud Mohamed but managed to blast over from 12-yards out.
Saidu Kamara then passed up a chance to give Sierra Leone the lead in the 74th minute as he headed wide of the mark from point-blank range.
Mohamed Kamara came to Leone Stars’ rescue in the 82nd minute, the shot-stopper pulled off a fine save to keep out Abel Yalew’s stinging effort from distance.
Ethiopia continue their warm up for the World Cup qualifiers with a match against Uganda on Friday while Ethiopia head to DR Congo for a four-nation tournament.
