Saturday April 29, 2023
Algiers (HOL) - In the historic opening match of the TotalEnergies AFCON U-17 tournament, debutants Somalia faced a challenging battle against host nation Algeria. The first half ended with a 1-0 lead for Algeria, but Somalia demonstrated their determination to make an impact on the international stage.
A nervous beginning saw Somalia concede a goal to Algerian captain Moslem Anatouf in the 22nd minute, but they soon settled into the game. Centreback Ahmed Abdalla nearly unleashed a thunderbolt from midfield that narrowly missed equalizing.
Somalia's goalkeeper Abdikadir Mohamed provided pair of breathtaking saves kept his team within striking distance.
Team stats show a closely contested match, with Algeria holding a slight edge in possession, shots, and pass accuracy. As the competition unfolds, Somalia's grit and passion will undoubtedly make a mark in their first-ever appearance at the tournament.
The Somali U-17 squad is eager to prove their worth on the continental stage. Despite the absence of standout striker Abdihafid Mohamed due to a controversial age verification issue, the team remains optimistic against a formidable Algerian side.