CECAFA
History made in Somalia as first soccer match televised
History was made in Somalia when the first football match in the country’s history has been watched live on Thursday. The military club [Horseed] won the General Da’ud Cup final match after beating their rivals, the Somali police-owned club of Heegan 2-1.
Thursday’s match is recorded as the most watched Somali football game in history as millions of Somalis in and outside the country were watching it on TV, while tens of thousands turned up for the match at stadium Banadir.
Both teams were fully prepared for the match which local media voted as ‘the most hotly-contested’ football game in Somalia ever.
The police club [Heegan] who are the current champions of the country scored the lone goal in the 32nd minute of the match when Deeq Abdullahi Nur AKA Aariyo, placed a beautiful shoot into the opponents’ goal, ending the first half 1-0 in favor of Heegan FC.
Horseed stepped up their attacks to compensate for the goal, but one of their playmakers, Robert Kareithi Meme [Kenya] was awarded with a red car in the 34th minute. However, that didn’t stop his side from moving on, as Adaani Barre Isse, did score the equalizing goal for his team in the 49th minute.
Daniel Matengo [Kenya] scored the winning goal for his team in the 60th minute of the match. Heegan didn’t despair of trying to equalize, but they lost several opportunities which could have made them at least a goal.
The 2-1 victory for Horseed was already predicted by football journalist Mohamed Barre. “My prediction of the final match result is that Horseed will win 2-1” the Minneapolis-based journalist said on Tuesday.
Somali minister for youth and sport, Mohamed Abdullahi, described the first televised football match in the country as a ‘big step’ forward.
“Today I am more than happy. The first live match in Somalia shows we are moving forward” the minister for youth and sport Mohamed Abdullahi said while talking to the media at the stadium after the end of the first half.
“I praise the Somali Football Federation authorities for their professional organization. Football is playing a big role in the country’s development, peace building and income generation” the minister said while standing alongside the president of Somali Football Federation, Abdiqani Said Arab.
The president said that the live coverage was a test that his federation can televise a match saying it went on successfully. “This was a starting point and we have understood that we can put live matches on air. I know it is a hard work which needs much money, but we are committed to continuing it” the president said.
“In the months to come, we will at least try to have some of the hottest matches televised and I am sure we will finally approach our target which is to get every Somalia match screened live” said president Abdiqani Said Arab.
Somalia has realized this major approach and other developments made in the country, as the young age president has only been in the leadership officer for less than 14 months.
Somali parliament member, Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow, who was one of several government officials at the stadium, told the media that football is now making Somalia recover from past wounds.
“A window of progress and public integration has been opened by the Somali Football Federation. This is an encouraging move” the law maker said. “I am a fan for Heegan, but I don’t mind if we have been defeated. It is a football, so you can win or lose” added Mr. Dhuhulow who is one of the most football-bad government officials.
However, apart from the trophy, the winners were awarded with 45 million Somali shillings as prize money, while Heegan FC received 25 million Somali shillings for the second place.
The President of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the development of women referees across the CECAFA Zone.
Andemariam said this while meeting referees and match instructors officiating at the on-going CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal qualifier at the Gorilla Gold Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda on Sunday.
He commended the referees for the professionalism, teamwork and commitment they have demonstrated throughout the competition. The CECAFA President encouraged the female referees to remain ambitious and continue working towards the highest levels of the game, including becoming FIFA referees and earning appointments at major continental competitions.
He informed the officials that CECAFA has already initiated discussions with CAF aimed at strengthening the resources and development support available to CECAFA Member Associations. Andemariam further assured them that CECAFA will continue pursuing new sponsors and strategic partners to create more opportunities for women across the game. He also announced that CECAFA intends to start a dedicated women referees’ VAR development course in 2027.
Josephine Wanjiku, a referee from Kenya who also officiated at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 thanked the CECAFA President for the visit, and requested for a women’s only VAR course to equip them better.
Jean Sseninde, the CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde, reiterated the Secretariat’s commitment to implementing the strategic direction of the CECAFA leadership and continuing to create an enabling environment for women to progress across technical and administrative areas of football.
Three referees from the CECAFA Zone have been selected to officiate at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 to take place in Poland.
The competition that will attract 24 teams will take place September 5-27th, 2026.
Expereinced Shamirah Nabadda from Uganda, also the 2025 CAF Female referee of the year has been selected among the 18 center referees. Fides Bangurambona (Burundi) has been selected as an assistant referee, and Rwanda’s Salina Mukansanga will officiate as a Video match official.
Ali Ahmed, the head of refereeing for the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) praised Nabadda, Burundi’s Fides Bangurambona (Assistant referee) and Rwanda’s Salina Mukansanga (Video match official) who have worked hard to earn the selection.
“Having the three officials picked means a lot to the Zone because they will also be flying the CECAFA flag,” added Ahmed.
The other match officials selected from Africa to officiate at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup inclide; Twanyanyukwa Antsino (Namibia), Fanta Kone (Mali), Diana Chikotesha (Zambia) and Cameroon’s Carien Atezambong.
Four teams from the African continent Benin, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria qualified to feature in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026.
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have arrived in Ivory Coast ahead of two International friendly matches against Benin and the hosts.
Under head coach Beldine Odemba, the Harambee Starlets will face Benin on Monday, and conclude with a match against Ivory Coast on March 4th at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé.
The two matches are will be used as build-ups ahead of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) expected to take place in Morocco March 17th to April 3rd.
“We are glad that the team will play two build-up matches in Ivory Coast and later have time to camp in France,” said coach Odemba.
Ivory Coast are currently ranked 72nd in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, while Benin sit at 139. Kenya is currently placed 133rd.
Kenya and Tanzania are the two teams that qualified for the 2026 WAFCON. The Harambee Starlets are pooled in Group A alongside Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.
Final squad
Goalkeepers: Lilian Awuor, Annedy Kundu, Juliet Adhiambo
Defenders: Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, Diana Ochol, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Muteshi
Midfielders: Lydia Akoth, Vidah Akeyo, Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Mwanalima Adam, Shaline Nambengele
Forwards: Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Jentrix Shikangwa, Shalyne Opisa, Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa, Eglay Mukhwana
The new President of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam has officially assumed office at the CECAFA headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
He was warmly received by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President, Hussein Mohamed.
Flanked by CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde and CECAFA Vice President Ali Abdi, Andermariam outlined his bold vision for a more revitalized and impactful CECAFA.
The new President said his mission centers on strengthening institutional structures, enhancing strategic partnerships – particularly with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports – and driving sustainable growth across the region.
Having earlier in the day met Ministry of Youth and Sports CS Elijah Mwangi, he revealed established and ongoing engagements between CECAFA and the Ministry aimed at establishing a permanent CECAFA Headquarters in Nairobi. This is deemed at enhancing CECAFA stability and regional influence.
He emphasized the need for more capacitated human resources to elevate the game, especially as the region—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania – prepares to co-host Africa’s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations.
In his remarks, Hussein Mohamed welcomed the new President, pledging full support and collaboration to ensure CECAFA achieves its strategic objectives.
The event was attended by the CECAFA Vice-President and members of the CECAFA Secretariat, and former FKF Vice President Doris Petra. The new CECAFA President takes over from Alexandre Muyenge who served as the Acting President since late last year.
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