Somalia defeated Kenya 1-0 in their final group A match to qualify for the semis of the ongoing CECAFA U-17 championship in Bujumbura on Friday. With Friday's victory the Somali teens topped their group A with 7 points

Somalia, under coach Salad Farah Hassan, celebrated for the solitary goal in the 15^th minute of the match when Farhan Mohamed Ahmed [No 11] netted the golden goal.

The president of Somali Football Federation, Abdiqani Said Arab, has been cheered by the performance of the Somali teenagers. "The boys have been training for the past two years and I was confident that they can do better. I take this opportunity to thank FIFA for this achievement, because Somalia has reached this level with FIFA funding for our Domestic youth League and youth football programs in the country” Somali Football Federation president, Abdiqani Said Arab said in a statement.

"The FIFA-funded Domestic Youth League was launched in Somalia in 2016. The event first attracted 12 youth teams, while it was then expanded to a 14-team youth league. Next year the Domestic Youth league will grow to 16 teams” SFF president said.

"Because of the good job we did, FIFA again awarded Somalia with more funding for our Domestic Youth League for the 3^rdyear running, while many countries are not getting. I am very delighted that Somalia is attracting this particular attention from FIFA” SFF president Abdiqani Said Arab noted. Meanwhile, the president praised the Ocean Stars youngsters and their coach Salad Farah Hassan for representing the nation well.

Somali Football Federation Media Department

Email:info@somsoccer.com