The Turning Tides of Somali Football
Mogadishu (AX) — There’s a palpable buzz in the air around Somalia’s national football scene as Yusuf Ali Nur steps into the role of head coach, shouldering the weight of hopes and dreams ahead of the key 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Facing off against Guinea and Botswana later this month, Ali Nur takes on the mammoth task following the exit of Moroccan coach Rachid Lousteque. Lousteque’s tenure, spanning two seasons, unfortunately, did little to illuminate the path for the Ocean Stars.
Ali Nur is no stranger to pressure, having steered Dekedda Sports Club to an impressive three Somali Premier League titles. But guiding a national team floundering at the bottom of Group G after four consecutive defeats? Now, that’s an entirely different story. Somalia’s tally stands at a dismal zero points with a -7 goal difference, placing them on the brink of an all-too-soon departure from the race. How does one breathe life into a struggling squad and mend the sense of national pride?
This predicament is no novel narrative for Somali football. Perched at a daunting 202nd position in the latest FIFA rankings, they’ve been eclipsed only slightly by Guam at 203rd and Liechtenstein at 204th. Their historical nadir at 207th serves as a somber reminder of the challenges woven into the fabric of their football history. It beckons the question: can past reflections spur future victories?
In the ongoing qualifiers, the tally paints a grim picture. Nine goals conceded over four matches. Highlights—or perhaps lowlights—include a 3-1 defeat to Botswana and a hard-fought 2-1 loss against Mozambique. Ever since their last competitive win in 2022, defensive lapses have plagued the pitch, overshadowing any attacking potential. Each match leaves one to wonder: where does the fault line lie?
Yusuf Ali Nur’s ascendancy is emblematic of the Somali Football Federation’s (SFF) renewed confidence in local talent—a move undoubtedly inspired by the U17 national squad’s thrilling journey to the 2023 Africa U17 Cup of Nations. But while domestic league success holds its own allure, helming a team on an international stage rife with complex demands is a different beast.
Ali Nur’s primary mission? Fortify the defenses and venture to snatch that elusive first point in the qualifiers. His immediate challenges come in the form of two fixtures:
“One cannot grow without challenges, as they say, ‘You never fail until you stop trying.'” – Anonymous
- March 22: Somalia faces Guinea in Conakry. With Guinea under the strategic guidance of Michel Dussuyer, motivation is high following their robust 23-man squad announcement for battles against Uganda and Somalia.
- March 25: Somalia heads to Botswana, eyes set on redemption after suffering a 3-1 loss this past June.
While the World Cup might feel like a distant star, shimmering on an unreachable horizon, Somalia’s gaze must turn towards steady rebuilding. The Ocean Stars have grappled with converting grassroots victories into senior-level consistency. Recent decisions, such as pulling out of the African Nations Championship qualifiers, have further clouded their trajectory.
The upcoming matches are not merely games; they could be the fulcrum upon which Somalia’s football destiny pivots. A commendable showing against powerhouses like Guinea and Botswana could lay the groundwork for a renaissance. Conversely, another round of stinging losses might deepen the ongoing crisis. Can Ali Nur usher in change, or will the cycle of adversity continue?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
