Cairo, Egypt – Somalia’s Dekeddah FC return to face Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek SC in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers, hoping to restore pride after a crushing 6–0 loss in the first meeting — also held in Egypt due to Somalia’s lack of a CAF-approved stadium.
For Dekeddah, the journey has been as symbolic as it is competitive. Forced to play their designated “home” match on foreign soil, the Somali champions entered the continental stage under difficult circumstances. The gulf in experience between the two sides was evident in the first leg, where Zamalek’s pace, structure, and finishing overwhelmed the spirited but inexperienced Somali outfit.
Still, Dekeddah’s participation marks a milestone for Somali football, which continues to rebuild amid years of conflict and infrastructural challenges. The players, many of whom are featuring in continental competition for the first time, have spoken of the importance of representing their country and gaining exposure against top-tier African opposition.
Head coach Ahmed Mohamed emphasized that the team’s focus now is on progress and performance, not the aggregate score.
“We know the task ahead of us, but this is part of our growth. Every minute we play against teams like Zamalek teaches us something about where we want Somali football to go,” he said before the squad’s final training session.
Zamalek, comfortable with their commanding lead, are expected to rotate their lineup but will still seek to maintain their dominance in front of their home fans at Cairo International Stadium. For the Egyptian side, this fixture is a formality on the road to the next round; for Dekeddah, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and take valuable lessons home.
As the final whistle approaches in Cairo, the score may not be close, but the spirit behind Dekeddah’s journey remains the real story — one of persistence, representation, and hope for Somali football’s brighter future on the continental stage. The match is today at 6pm (EAT).