Hiiraan Online
Sunday April 29, 2018
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia’s Under-17 football team have lost to Tanzania in the CECAFA championship game on Sunday in Burundi; the high octane game ended 2-0.
The game was interrupted early by heavy rains, which caused a delay that lasted for close to half an hour.
The pitch remained soaked for the entire game.
When the game resumed, Tanzania’s Serengeti Boys struck first with a goal by Edison Jeremiah at the 25th minute.
Despite an aggressive attack and a few good scoring opportunities, Somalia walked off the pitch trailing 1-0 at halftime.
A rejuvenated Ocean Star team came out in the second half, looking to go back to the pace and ball movement that earned them a spot in the finals.
The game was physical, with both teams combining for 39 fouls, which led to 3 yellow cards for Tanzania and a yellow card for Somalia.
A controversial goal scored by Somalia in the second half was disallowed by the referee.
Somalia’s unlikely march to the finals has been a football Cinderella story. After losing their first game 3-0, Somalia put together a string of impressive wins.
Somalia pushed past Kenya 1-0 on Friday to win Group A and punch their ticket to the semi-finals.
Somalia impregnable defence kept the Kenyan attack at bay.
Somalia met the reigning champs Uganda in the semi-finals and played a similar game and was rewarded with a 1-0 win.
Despite the loss, Somalia’s worldwide are undoubtedly proud of their boys who outperformed teams that were ranked far higher.President Farmajo was expected to attend the match in Burundi, but cancelled at the 11th hour to focus on the severe flooding in parts of Somalia
The CECAFA tournament signalled Somalia’s return to international football and the future looks bright for the Ocean Stars.