Hadiya Hossana put the brake on Fasil Kenema

Hadiya Hossana did what many teams have failed to do this season in the Betking Ethiopia Premier League -- stop Fasil Kenema from winning as they held the league leaders to a 1-1 draw at the Dire Dawa International Stadium on Friday.

This was a game of fine margins as the usual suspects Dawa Hotessa of Hadiya Hossana and Mujib Kassim of Fasil failed to score, but it wasn't for lack of trying.

Mujib had the first chance early on to put Fasil ahead. Bezabeh Melayo and Shemeket Gugsa combined to set him free with just the keeper to beat, but he failed to open his team's account. In the 11th minute, Dawa Hotessa received a cross from Henok Aficho, but he saw his fine header miss narrowly.

It was then the turn of Hotessa's strike partner to miss two chances, a header from another cross by Henok Aficho which came off the crossbar and a shot that was blocked before Dawa Hotessa went on a solo run. Blocked by Enyew Kassahun, he attempted to turn but was impeded by Yehun Endeshaw with a nudge to his ribs, earning Hadiya a freekick.

Henok Aficho delivered another of his trademark crosses and this time it was met with a powerful header by Tsegasew Dimamu past Fasil's Malian keeper N'Tji Michel Samake as Hadiya took a 1-0 lead.

Mujib had another effort foiled by Muntari in goal for Hadiya Hossana in the 42nd minute.

Fasil equalised in the 47th minute through a header by Bezabeh Melayo from a corner taken by Gugsa.

The result sees Fasil drop a point, but they still lead by 13 points ahead of second-placed Ethiopia Coffee on 33 points, with Hadiya Hossana fifth on 30 points.