Mogadishu, SONNA — The Somali national football team is set to face Mauritius this evening in a decisive second-leg encounter of the preliminary qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with kickoff scheduled for 06:00 PM at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex.
The match follows a goalless draw in the first leg held in Maputo, Mozambique, leaving both sides with everything to play for as they aim to secure qualification to the next round.
Mauritius heads into the fixture under mounting pressure, having failed to register a win in their last ten matches across all competitions—a run that has raised concerns among their supporters.
In contrast, Somalia’s national team, known as the Ocean Stars, has shown notable improvement in recent performances. Under the leadership of head coach Yusuf Ali Nur “Yuu Ali,” the team has secured two victories in their last five matches, boosting confidence ahead of tonight’s decisive clash.
Despite differing form, the match remains evenly balanced, with either side capable of advancing. According to tournament rules, a winner must emerge; should the match end in a draw, it will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, be decided by a penalty shootout.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdulqadir Ali, alongside the Chairman of the Somali Football Federation and Vice President of CECAFA, Ali Abdi Mohamed, joined Somali football fans in extending their support and best wishes to the national team.
