Somalia’s head coach Nur Mohamed has excuded confidence that Somalia’s participation at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria is a big step in inspiring hope in the country at the football international stage.
Nur added that the same encourages young upcoming footballers to overcome challenges and believe hope that they can play at big stagesfor the country.
Somalia qualified to any Continental championship for the first time ever with the Under-17 side winning the CECAFA Championship that was hosted in Ethiopia last year.
They beat South Sudan, who were later disqualified from the tournament, in the final.
“It is a huge motivation for us definitely. It shows a good picture of Somali football and we are here not just representing Somalia but the CECAFA region. It is a moment of pride for us,” coach Mohamed said.
“We have a great feeling to be here, and we want to be here to compete, not just participate.” Nur added
His sentiments are shared by 17-year old keeper Abdikadir Mohamed, whose performances has been of note in Algeria.
“It is a huge moment of pride for me and my family to be here, wearing the shirt of Somalia in a Continental championship. I am proud and I hope this will open doors for me,” said Mohamed.
Somalia started their campaign with a 2-0 loss to hosts Algeria, but picked up a massive 1-1 draw against Congo in their second match.
They face unbeaten Senegal in their last group match and if they can earn a shock victory, then they will make history by qualifying to the quarter finals.
“We are here to compete and we will try to win against Senegal. We know they are a good team but we are a good team also,” noted the coach.
