Sunday, 23 March 2025 {HMC} Somalia earned its first point of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday with a resolute defensive display in a goalless draw against Guinea at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
It was a result few predicted—and even fewer believed possible as the match unfolded.
At the heart of this defensive masterclass was Abdirahman Maamaan—a name that may not resonate in European football circles, but on Friday night in Abidjan, he was a colossus.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper thwarted wave after wave of Guinean attacks, making no fewer than 13 saves, including a spectacular point-blank stop to deny Serhou Guirassy midway through the second half.
Guinea, boasting top-tier talent from the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and La Liga, controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
François Kamano found pockets of space, Issiaga Sylla surged forward with menace, and Mohamed Ali Camara posed a constant aerial threat from set pieces—yet none could find a way past Somalia’s last line of defense.
In the 30th minute, Camara’s thunderous volley from a loose corner was pushed wide by Maamaan’s outstretched gloves, setting the tone for the night.
The Ocean Stars, meanwhile, were disciplined and opportunistic, absorbing pressure and countering when the chance arose.
Their best moment came in the 75th minute when 18-year-old Yusuf Ahmed, earning just his third international cap, burst past the Guinean backline, only to see his effort drift agonizingly wide.
Despite finishing with just 34% possession, Somalia’s organization and discipline belied its underdog status.
Fullback Yonis Farah made a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Guirassy a tap-in, while captain Ahmed Abdi marshaled the defense with veteran composure.
For Guinea, the draw is a significant setback.
What was expected to be a routine three points now leaves the Syli National five points behind Group G leaders Algeria and Mozambique, both sitting on 12 points.
With an away trip to Uganda next, Guinea’s qualification hopes are under increasing pressure.
Somalia, still at the bottom of the table but no longer pointless, will take this performance as a sign of progress.
From a team that suffered four straight defeats to one capable of holding its own against continental heavyweights, this result could mark a turning point.
Next up is a trip to Botswana on Tuesday—a fixture that once seemed unwinnable but now presents an opportunity.
