Tuesday April 8, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s U-17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to a close on Monday night with a 2–0 defeat to defending champions Senegal, capping a tournament that offered more resilience than reward for the young Ocean Stars.
Having already been eliminated following back-to-back losses to Tunisia and Gambia, Somalia entered the final Group C fixture playing for pride. Despite facing a heavily favoured Senegalese side with a World Cup berth on the line, the Somalis delivered a determined performance that forced Senegal to labour for their qualification.
Senegal controlled the early stages, hitting the crossbar just seconds into the match. Their breakthrough came in the 29th minute when captain Ibrahima Sow converted from the penalty spot after a defensive lapse by Somalia inside the box.
While the pressure remained relentless, Somalia’s backline — anchored by goalkeeper Abdiasis Ahmed — held firm throughout the second half. Ahmed made a string of key saves, denying Sow, Abdourahmane Mbodj, and Etienne Mendy as Senegal struggled to convert their dominance into goals.
The contest was finally sealed deep into stoppage time when El Hadji Ibrahima Sow found space inside the box and slotted home Senegal’s second goal in the 93rd minute.
With the win, Senegal advanced to the quarterfinals and officially booked their ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, joining Group C leaders Tunisia, who edged them on goal difference after both teams finished with seven points.
Somalia, meanwhile, ended their second-ever AFCON campaign without a point — but not without purpose. Head coach Abdirahman Mohamed had brought a youthful and largely domestic-based squad to Morocco, building on the team’s third-place finish at the 2024 CECAFA U-17 Championship.
While defensive frailties were exposed in earlier defeats, Somalia’s final performance showed signs of tactical maturity and composure under pressure. Midfielder Farhan Isaq showed flashes of vision, while Anas Isse Mohamed and Sakariye Maxamuud pushed for chances in transition despite limited possession.
The Senegal match came just days after seven Somali players briefly disappeared from the team hotel in what was widely reported as an attempted desertion. According to multiple sources, the players left camp on two separate occasions before being located and returned with the assistance of tournament organizers.
The Ocean Stars leave Morocco at the bottom of Group C, but not without hope. With improved infrastructure and increased investment in youth development, Somalia’s long-term vision for football progress remains intact — even if the scoreboard in El Jadida said otherwise.
Watch the full match between Senegal and Somalia at the 2025 U–17 Africa Cup of Nations below:
Tunisia advanced as group winners due to superior goal difference after a 0-0 draw with Senegal.
