Somalia advance in AFCON 2027 qualifiers after beating Mauritius
“This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of our national team,” Shiine said. “Their success brings pride to the nation and inspires future generations of Somali athletes.”
Wednesday April 1, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has written a fresh chapter in its football history, edging Mauritius 4-2 on penalties on Tuesday to move into the next round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers after a tense, scoreless second leg.
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The match at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex finished 0-0 in regulation time, just as the first leg in Mozambique had ended without a goal. After 180 minutes of play produced no breakthrough, the contest came down to a shootout, where the Ocean Stars held their nerve to secure progression.
The result is a major breakthrough for Somalia, as it is the first time the national team has advanced to this stage of an AFCON qualifying campaign. It also reflects the gradual rise of Somali football, which has long battled the effects of conflict and a lack of sporting infrastructure.
The Ocean Stars showed grit and discipline throughout the tie, offering another sign of their growing competitiveness on the African stage. Their composure under pressure in the penalty shootout drew praise from supporters and officials who have followed the team’s steady progress.
Somali Football Federation President Ali Abdi Mohamed Shiine congratulated the players, coaching staff and delegation, praising their commitment and leadership during the competition.
“This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of our national team,” Shiine said. “Their success brings pride to the nation and inspires future generations of Somali athletes.”
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also praised the victory, calling it a reflection of national unity and the promise of Somali youth.
“This triumph demonstrates the talent and determination of Somali youth and encourages the development of sports as a unifying force in our society,” the president said in a statement.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, branded AFCON PAMOJA Swahili for “together” will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, marking a historic return of the tournament to East Africa.
Somalia’s progress has stirred celebrations among fans at home and across the diaspora, with many viewing the result as a defining moment for the Ocean Stars. For a team that has often been measured by resilience as much as results, the victory has taken on the weight of both sporting achievement and national symbolism.