Riffa, Bahrain – Somalia walked off the pitch on Monday evening with a win that carried far more weight than three points. Their 2–1 triumph over Bahrain was a moment of long-awaited relief and rising belief, marking the national team’s first victory since 2019 and offering a powerful boost ahead of the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup later this month.
The match began cautiously for Somalia, who spent much of the first half warding off Bahrain’s early pressure. That resilience broke briefly when M. A. Romaihi found the opener in the 35th minute, a reminder of the uphill battle the Ocean Stars often face on the international stage. But instead of folding, Somalia responded with purpose. Moments before halftime, Mohamed Omar connected cleanly inside the box, leveling the score and shifting the rhythm of the night.
The equaliser seemed to lift the entire squad. Their play grew sharper, more assured, and filled with an urgency rarely seen in recent years. By the time the final stretch arrived, Somalia were the more confident side. In the 80th minute, I. A. Abari sealed the comeback with a composed finish that sent teammates racing toward him in celebration.
For a team that has endured years of setbacks, travel difficulties, and rebuilding, this win felt personal. It was a reminder that progress may come slowly, but it does come. And with the Arab Cup approaching, Somalia now travels with a renewed sense of possibility—backed by a victory that could inspire much more.