By Asha Elmi

Mogadishu, Somalia – After more than 30 years, Somalia hosted its first international football match in the capital on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The match was led by African football legends Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), and Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria), as part of FIFA-supported “Peace Tour.” The event aimed to restore Somalia’s reputation and rebuild the foundation to once again host international matches.

Since the collapse of the central government in 1991, civil war and insecurity forced Somalia to hold its matches abroad, mainly in neighboring Djibouti and Ethiopia.

Mogadishu Stadium, severely damaged when Al-Shabaab and African Union troops controlled the area, was renovated in 2020, enabling the country to resume hosting domestic football.

In this historic match, the team led by Eto’o, Adebayor, and Okocha defeated Somalia’s national team 8-4. Thousands of fans gathered, waving the Somali flag and celebrating the return of international football to Mogadishu.

Emmanuel Adebayor described the match as “beautiful and amazing,” praying for peace and a better future for Somalia. “We pray to God to grant you peace and the opportunity to rebuild your country. God be with you,” he said.

The importance of this match goes beyond the game itself, symbolizing Somalia’s efforts to gain FIFA and CAF approval to host international matches again. Representatives from, FIFA CAF and the Council of East and Central African Football Associations were present to assess security and preparations.

Suleiman Hassan Waberi, President of the Djibouti Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, said: “We organized this match to show the world that football can be played in this peaceful city and that the stadium can host international games.” He added that CAF will conduct further assessments and expressed optimism.

Despite many challenges, Somalia views this historic game as a major step forward on the path to restoring international football within its borders.