Tuesday April 1, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s U-17 national team will kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Tuesday evening with a high-stakes opener against Tunisia as the 15th edition of the continental tournament gets underway in Morocco.
The match, set for 6 p.m. East Africa Time, marks Somalia’s r second consecutive appearance after their landmark victory in the 2022 CECAFA U-17 Championship — the regional tournament for East and Central African nations — where they defeated South Sudan 3-1 in the final.
In the 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations held in Algeria, Somalia achieved a significant milestone by earning their first-ever point in the tournament, drawing 1-1 against Congo.
With memories of that triumph still fresh, the Somali squad enters the match confidently. Coaches and players say preparations have gone smoothly, and the team is determined to put in a disciplined performance against a well-drilled Tunisian side.
“We’re ready,” said one member of the coaching staff. “The boys have been training hard, and we believe they’ll rise to the occasion.”
Conversely, Tunisia has made its fourth appearance in the finals and first since 2013. They arrive with a reputation for technical football and tournament pedigree, and their camp has also signalled full readiness ahead of the clash. Analysts expect a tightly contested match between two young squads eager to make an early statement.
Adding to the atmosphere, large numbers of Somali fans are expected to fill the stands in Rabat, with the country’s sizeable diaspora community in Morocco promising strong support for the young Ocean Stars.
Somalia’s participation in this year’s Africa U-17 Cup of Nations highlights the growth of the national program, which has increasingly invested in youth development in recent years. A strong showing in Morocco would boost morale and cement Somalia’s emergence as a rising force in regional football.
The Africa U-17 Cup of Nations runs throughout April, with top teams from across the continent vying for the title and qualification spots for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. For Somalia, a win on Tuesday could set the tone for a historic campaign.