It was not from lack of trying. If it was not for Ajuran empire, Geledi Sultanate, Adal, and other Somali entities from North to South, they would have taken the Somali sea.
They came very close to capturing Banadir if it wasn't for Sheikh Hassan Barsane.
"During Meneliks invasions Barsane fought and defeated several thousand Abyssinian forces at Balad and Daafeet (Wanlaweyn district) in the early 1900's."