Nairobi, Kenya – Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium will host two historic fixtures this weekend as Somali clubs Mogadishu City Club and Dekedda carry the nation’s football hopes in continental competitions.
On Saturday, Mogadishu City Club will play host to Kenya Police FC in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. The fixture marks the Somali champions’ latest attempt to progress in Africa’s most prestigious club tournament.
On Sunday, attention will shift to Dekedda, who are set to face Zamala Ruwaba of Sudan in the CAF Confederation Cup. Dekedda will be the official hosts of the tie, also staged at Nyayo Stadium.
Somalia currently lacks a CAF-approved stadium to stage high-caliber continental or international matches, forcing its clubs and national teams to play home fixtures in neutral venues abroad. This weekend’s Nairobi fixtures underscore both the logistical hurdles facing Somali football and the resilience of its clubs in pursuing success on the continental stage.
For Mogadishu City Club and Dekedda, the matches offer a chance to showcase Somali football talent and ambition, even as the nation continues to rebuild its sporting infrastructure.