The Somali national football squad [Ocean Stars] has made it to the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers, marking Somalia’s first-ever promotion to this stage.
Somalia achieved this milestone after a penalty shootout win over Mauritius in the second leg of the preliminary round, held at the Cote d’Or national sports complex in St Pierre, Mauritius, on Tuesday.
The match, played in front of a passionate Mauritian crowd, ended 0-0 in normal time, with Somalia’s defense standing strong against the hosts’ attacks. Somalia showed remarkable composure, winning 4-2 on a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the group stage.
We have written a history: SFF president
Somalia Football Federation (SFF) President, Ali Abdi Mohamed, said he is very proud of his team’s achievement. “Today we have written a history in the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said in a statement.
It is the first time for Somalia to reach this stage in its footballing history. I am very proud of the team, the coaching staff, and the supporters who believed in us,” President Mohamed, said, praising the team’s performance, highlighting their progress in Somali football.
The win is a significant boost for Somali football, showcasing the country’s potential on the continental stage. As Somalia now looks forward to the group stage, the nation is buzzing with excitement. This historic achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. “We’ve made tangible developments towards football,” President Mohamed added, as he looks forward to the next challenge. Somalia’s AFCON journey has begun, and the country is ready to make its mark.
Somalia, which has been ravaged by civil wars, terrorism, and unrest for more than three decades, is now showing signs of full recovery and development, but the country’s sport still lacks governmental funding and a proper sponsorship. It only financially depends on the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, and CAF, which have been the sole financial source for Somali sports since the country fell into anarchy in 1991.
