Somalia achieve historic World Cup win
The Ocean Stars of Somalia have achieved a historic first ever win in a FIFA World Cup qualifier after beating Zimbabwe 1-0 in their first leg of the preliminary round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier on Thursday in Djibouti.
It was the first time Somalia, who made their debut in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers as far as back as 1982 had tasted victory and it was thanks to Anwar Sayid’s 86th minute header.
With security situations denying them the opportunity to host matches in their backyard since 1986, the Ocean Stars were undaunted by the prospect of playing in neighbouring Djibouti, to etch a famous win against Zimbabwe, who participated at the recent Total Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019.
On the eve of the match, Djibouti also registered a shocking 2-1 victory over Eswatini at the same venue.
Under the technical guidance of Ghanaian Bashir Hayford, who was appointed last March, and selected players plying their trade in Europe, Qatar, Canada and USA, the Ocean Stars were a delight to watch as they matched the Warriors in almost every department of the game.
With the game heading for a stalemate, Sayid who plays for local side Elman headed home the only goal four minutes from time to etch his name and colleagues into the history books of Somali football.
The Ocean Stars travel to Harare five days later for the return leg.
Elsewhere in Ndjamena, veteran Ramadam Agab netted a hat-trick as visiting Sudan thumped Chad 3-1. Ezekiel Ndouassel grabbed a consolation for the host five minutes from time.
In Victoria, Seychelles were outclassed by Rwanda 3-0 courtesy strikes from Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Yannick Mukunzi and Meddie Kagere.
Results
04.09.2019 Bujumbura Burundi 1-1 Tanzania
04.09.2019 Bahir Dar Ethiopia 0-0 Lesotho
04.09.2019 Asmara Eritrea 1-2 Namibia
04.09.2019 Monrovia Liberia 3-1 Sierra Leone
04.09.2019 Belle Vue Mauritius 0-1 Mozambique
04.09.2019 Sao Tome Sao Tome 0-1 Guinea Bissau
04.09.2019 Djibouti Djibouti 2-1 Eswatini
04.09.2019 Omdurman South Sudan 1-1 Equatorial Guinea
05.09.2019 Djibouti Somalia 1-0 Zimbabwe
05.09.2019 Ndjamena Chad 1-3 Sudan
05.09.2019 Victoria Seychelles 0-3 Rwanda
06.09.2019 Bakau Gambia vs Angola
06.09.2019 Moroni Comoros vs Togo
07.09.2019 Francistown Botswana vs Malawi
Source: CAFonline.com
