Somalia’s World Cup qualifying journey came to a disappointing end on Tuesday after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mozambique at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium. Despite a spirited display, the Ocean Stars were undone by an early goal that proved decisive.
Mozambique struck just six minutes into the match when Geny Catamo latched onto a precise delivery from Bruno Langa, calmly slotting the ball past the Somali goalkeeper. The early setback forced Somalia to chase the game from the outset, but their efforts to respond were met with stubborn resistance.
As the minutes rolled on, Somalia grew into the match, displaying resilience and ambition. Their forwards pressed high, while the midfield fought tirelessly to create openings. A few half-chances sparked hope among the Somali supporters in attendance, but composure in the final third remained elusive.
Mozambique, meanwhile, managed the tempo well, slowing down play when necessary and defending their lead with discipline. Somalia threw bodies forward in the closing stages, desperate for an equalizer, but clear scoring opportunities remained hard to come by.
When the final whistle blew, Somalia’s players sank to the ground, visibly frustrated but applauded by fans for their determination. While the loss means the team bows out of qualification without a final flourish, their competitive performance against a more seasoned Mozambican side offered signs of growth.
For Somalia, the campaign may end without a victory, but their fight has been unmistakable. The focus now shifts to building on this experience and returning stronger in future competitions.