Dekedda Sports Club has made history by securing a spot in the second preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, ending a 36-year absence for Somali clubs in Africa’s premier club competition.
This landmark achievement came on Friday at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Dekedda SC triumphed over Djibouti’s Arta Solar7 with a thrilling 5-4 aggregate victory.
The win has electrified football fans across Somalia and signals a potential renaissance for the country’s presence on the continental stage. Dekedda SC’s success marks the first time since 1988 that a Somali club has advanced this far in the tournament.
The last team to do so was Wagad FC, which reached the second preliminary round after defeating Rwanda’s Panthere Noires.
The historic victory has garnered praise from the highest levels of Somali football. Ali Abdi Mohamed, President of the Somali Football Federation, expressed his joy in a phone call to the team delegation, saying, “I am very delighted to hear of the good news that you progressed to the second preliminary round. Congratulations to Dekedda SC administration, players, technical staff, and fans.”
He further emphasized the broader implications for Somali football, stating, “This triumph sends a clear message that Somali football is growing. We will continue to do our best to take Somali football to a greater position.”
Looking ahead, Dekedda SC faces a daunting challenge in the next round as they prepare to take on Tunisian giants Esperance in September.
This matchup will pit the Somali champions against one of Africa’s most successful and decorated clubs, offering a significant test of Dekedda’s progress and potential on the continental scene.
Dekedda SC’s success story is particularly poignant when compared to the experience of Wagad FC in 1988. Despite their historic advance to the second preliminary round, Wagad FC’s campaign was cut short with a 7-1 aggregate loss to Sudan’s Al Hilal.
Now, nearly four decades later, Dekedda SC has the opportunity to go one step further, potentially reaching the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
With Somali football gaining momentum, Dekedda SC’s victory is not just a win for the club but a beacon of hope for the entire nation, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike.
The team’s progress will be closely watched as they aim to make even more history in the coming rounds.
Source: CAF ONLINE
