Mogadishu (Halbeeg News) – Somalia’s young Ocean Stars set to battle host Algeria in the TotalEnergies Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday at the newly built Nelson Mandela Stadium.
The Horn of Africa nation qualified for a continental championship for the first time in its history after their triumph in the CECAFA regional qualifiers, where they beat South Sudan 3-1 in the final.
Heading into the tournament, the debutants, who look to put Somali football on the continental and world map, have been drawn in a tough Group A that also has hosts Algeria, Senegal and Congo.
The U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, known as the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship purposes, is a biennial youth association football competition organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for its nations consisting of players under the age of 17.
The team is coached by former Somali international Nur Mohamed Amin. The 63-year-old had a long playing career that included 14 years with the national team and majorly played for Mogadishu based club MBC.
Amin who has also had an extended coaching career in Ethiopia has been with the Under-17 side for the last two years and his name will forever be written in the books of history after guiding the team for their first ever Continental qualification.
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