Somalia Face Mauritius in Crucial AFCON 2027 Qualifier Clash

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somalia national football team is set to take on Mauritius today at 6:00 PM in a decisive preliminary qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The match, which marks the second leg between the two sides, will be played at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex. The first encounter, held in Maputo, ended in a goalless draw, leaving both teams with everything to play for as they battle for a place in the next round.

Mauritius heads into the match under pressure, having failed to secure a win in their last ten matches across all competitions, a run that has raised concerns among their supporters.

Somalia’s national team, known as the Ocean Stars, has shown signs of improvement under head coach Yuusuf Cali Nuur. The team has recorded two wins in their last five outings, boosting confidence ahead of the crucial fixture.

Despite this, the match remains wide open, with both sides eager to advance. A win for either team will secure qualification to the next stage, while a draw will lead to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout if the deadlock persists.

Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Maxamed Cabdulqaadir Cali, along with the President of the Somali Football Federation and CECAFA Vice President for East and Central Africa, Cali Cabdi Maxamed, joined fans in wishing the team success as they represent the nation with a mix of locally based and diaspora players.