Somalia’s women’s Under-17 team secured its first international victory by defeating Sudan 8-2 during the CECAFA Women’s U-17 Championship in Dar es Salaam. Although the team exited the tournament at the group stage following earlier losses to Tanzania and Kenya, the decisive win marked a significant milestone for the Somali Football Federation’s efforts to expand the women’s game.
How Somalia achieved its first international win
The victory against Sudan served as the team’s closing performance in the regional tournament. Najmo Mohamed led the offensive effort with a hat-trick, earning player-of-the-match honors for her contribution. Additional scoring came from Sundus Mohamed, who netted twice, while captain Halimo Isse, Maryan Osoble, and Hibo Salad each contributed a goal. This performance provided a stark contrast to the team’s opening matches against Tanzania and Kenya.
Why the result matters for Somali football
The Somali Football Federation views the tournament as a foundational step for the women’s program. Following the match, Somali Football Federation president Ali Abdi Mohamed contacted the squad to acknowledge their development on the regional stage. According to the federation, the tournament served as a platform for the players to gain competitive experience, which the federation intends to build upon through continued investment.
The federation also noted the involvement of Somali match officials in the tournament, confirming that referee Fadumo Mohamed Nor and assistant referee Iqra Ali Ahmed received appointments during the championship. This inclusion in officiating reflects a broader effort by the federation to integrate women into various aspects of the sport, supported by guidance from FIFA and CAF.
Key takeaways from the tournament
The CECAFA Championship provided the Somali U-17 team with its debut international tournament. The following points summarize the team’s progress:
- Historic Milestone: The 8-2 win against Sudan stands as the first international victory for a Somali women’s football team.
- Individual Recognition: Najmo Mohamed’s hat-trick marked a milestone for the program in an international tournament.
- Officiating Representation: The participation of Fadumo Mohamed Nor and Iqra Ali Ahmed highlighted the growth of Somali women in match officiating roles.
- Institutional Support: The federation confirmed that it continues to work with FIFA and CAF to secure support, guidance and assistance for long-term development.
What happens next for the program
The Somali Football Federation has signaled its intent to maintain the momentum generated by this tournament. By shifting from a debutant squad to a team capable of securing high-scoring victories, the players have established a performance benchmark for future international appearances. The federation’s focus remains on sustaining the competitive experience gained in Tanzania and preparing the squad for upcoming regional and continental challenges.
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