Somalia has qualified to a continental championship for the first time ever in its history, with their junior side earning a debut slot for the TotalEnergies Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Somalia’s young Ocean Stars progressed to the tourney in Algeria after winning the CECAFA regional qualifiers, where they beat South Sudan 3-1 in the final.
Heading into the tournament, the debutants, who look to put Somali football on the continental and world map, have been drawn in a tough Group A that also has hosts Algeria, Senegal and Congo.
Match schedule (All matches at 8pm local time)
April 29 – Algeria vs Somalia, Nelson Mandela Stadium
May 2 – Congo vs Somalia, Nelson Mandela Stadium
May 5 – Somalia vs Senegal, Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine
Nur Mohamed Amin
The coach
The team is coached by former Somali international Nur Mohamed Amin. The 63 year old had a long playing career that included 14 years with the national team and majorly played for Mogadishu based club MBC.
Amin who has also had an extended coaching career in Ethiopia has been with the Under-17 side for the last two years and his name will forever be written in the books of history after guiding the team for their first ever Continental qualification.
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