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Somalia’s journey to the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came to an end on Tuesday after a 4-1 defeat to Uganda in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers semifinal. Despite the loss, the team displayed resilience and promise, offering hope for the future of Somali football.
A Promising Start in Kampala
The match, held at Nakivubo’s Hamz Stadium in Kampala, saw Somalia enter as underdogs against a dominant Ugandan side. Under the leadership of coach Ibrahim Ali, the Somali team showcased defensive discipline in the first half, frustrating Uganda’s offensive efforts.
Captain Mohamed Omar anchored Somalia’s backline, repelling multiple attacks and keeping the Ugandan crowd quiet. However, as the first half drew to a close, a momentary lapse allowed Uganda’s Abubakali Walusimbi to break through. His goal just before halftime put Uganda ahead, a bitter blow to a Somali team that had fought valiantly.
A Gritty Second Half
After the break, Somalia returned to the pitch with determination. Yet Uganda, buoyed by their lead, struck again just five minutes into the second half. James Bogere capitalized on a well-timed pass, doubling Uganda’s advantage to 2-0.
Despite the growing deficit, Somalia refused to back down. In the 67th minute, Ibrahim Osman pounced on a defensive error to score for Somalia, narrowing Uganda’s lead to 2-1. The goal ignited hope among Somali fans, with a potential comeback within reach.
Somalia surged forward with renewed energy, and Anas Mohamed came close to leveling the score with a powerful strike from distance. However, as the team pushed for an equalizer, defensive gaps emerged. Bogere exploited these openings with two stoppage-time goals, completing his hat-trick and securing a 4-1 victory for Uganda.
Post-Match Reflections
Speaking after the match, Somalia’s coach Ibrahim Ali praised his team’s efforts. “The boys gave everything on the pitch today,” he said. “We faced a strong Ugandan side, but I’m proud of how we fought back. This experience will be invaluable for our young players as they grow and develop.”
The tournament highlighted emerging talent, such as Ibrahim Osman, whose goal exemplified Somalia’s potential. Despite the loss, Somalia’s performances in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers demonstrated growth and promise for the country’s footballing future.
Focus Shifts to Third-Place Playoff
Somalia’s U-17 team will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff against South Sudan. The match presents an opportunity to end the tournament on a high note and continue building on the progress made during the qualifiers.
For Somalia, the CECAFA tournament has been a platform to showcase the talent and determination of its young players. While their AFCON dream has been postponed, the experience gained will undoubtedly shape the team’s development and future ambitions.
Uganda and Tanzania Advance to AFCON
With their victory, Uganda secured their spot in the U-17 AFCON in Morocco next year, alongside Tanzania, who also advanced from the CECAFA Zone. For Somalia, the journey in Kampala ended with a mix of disappointment and hope, as the team looks ahead to future opportunities.
Somalia’s Footballing Journey Continues
The resilience and determination shown by Somalia’s U-17 squad are a testament to the country’s passion for football. As they prepare for the next stage of their journey, fans and players alike remain optimistic about the future of Somali football.