Somali Team Faces Ivory Coast, Ghana in AFCON Qualifiers

CAIRO – Somalia’s national football team, the Ocean Stars, have been drawn against two African football powerhouses in the group stage of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers following the official draw ceremony held in the Egyptian capital on Tuesday. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) placed Somalia in Group C alongside reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire, four-time winners Ghana, and Gambia.

The draw, which divided 48 teams into 12 groups of four, presents a formidable challenge for the Somali squad. The Ocean Stars will face the current African champions, Côte d’Ivoire, who lifted the trophy in 2024, as well as Ghana, a four-time AFCON winner, and a Gambian side that reached the quarter-finals of the 2021 tournament. This marks Somalia’s first appearance at this stage of the qualifiers, having secured their place in the group round for the first time in the nation’s history.

Historic Qualification Milestone

The Ocean Stars reached the group stage after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mauritius in April 2026. Following a goalless aggregate draw over two legs, Somalia prevailed 4-2 on penalties to book their spot. Somali Football Federation (SFF) President Ali Abdi Mohamed described the victory as “a milestone for Somali football,” while President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed the achievement as a “symbol of national unity”. The second-leg match in Port Louis saw a disciplined defensive performance from the Ocean Stars, holding their nerve under pressure to advance.

The group phase will be played between June 2026 and March 2027, with only the top two teams from each group qualifying for the final tournament. While Somalia faces a daunting task against more experienced opponents, the team will look to build on recent performances. The Ocean Stars have shown flashes of promise, including a recent victory against Mauritius and competitive displays in previous international fixtures.

Rising Football Profile and Infrastructure Investment

The draw comes amid growing recognition of Somali football on the continental stage. SFF President Ali Abdi Mohamed recently participated in a high-level strategy meeting with African football leaders in Vancouver, underscoring Somalia’s expanding role in continental and global football governance. Mohamed was also elected as vice president of the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), further enhancing the country’s influence in regional football affairs.

The Somali Football Federation has overseen a series of milestones. In October 2025, FIFA granted the federation $4.5 million under the FIFA Forward Development Programme, one of the largest direct investments in Somali football in years. The funds are intended for infrastructure rebuilding, national team support, and grassroots expansion across all regions, including areas historically neglected due to insecurity.

Infrastructure development has also progressed. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre officially inaugurated the renovation of Mogadishu Stadium in 2024, Somalia’s largest football stadium, which has since hosted international matches. Over 50,000 fans filled the stadium for a football final in 2025, marking a powerful symbol of the nation’s recovery after the stadium was once seized by Al‑Shabaab and used as a training ground.

Grassroots and International Partnerships

The SFF has been actively working to strengthen football at the grassroots level. SFF President Mohamed has led efforts to rebuild sports facilities and organise football teams in Galmudug State, part of broader stabilisation plans for areas recently liberated from militant control.

International partnerships have also expanded. Mohamed met with Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, to strengthen support for national clubs, addressing logistical challenges such as visa processes, accommodation, and access to training facilities. The SFF has also held talks with Turkish officials in Ankara to enhance football cooperation and infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be the first edition of the tournament jointly hosted by three East African nations – Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania – scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027. For the Ocean Stars, the group stage represents a historic achievement and a chance to test themselves against Africa’s elite. While the challenge is formidable, Somali football officials have highlighted growing investment in youth football, domestic competitions, and international partnerships as part of efforts to revive the country’s football profile after decades of conflict and instability that disrupted sporting activities.