Wednesday April 2, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's U-17 national team endured a tough start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Tuesday, falling 3-0 to a clinical Tunisian side led by standout forward Fedi Tayechi.
Tayechi struck twice and set up another as Tunisia dominated the Group C clash from the opening whistle. The Carthage Eagles now sit atop the table, edging out defending champions Senegal on goal difference.
Tunisia needed just six minutes to open the scoring, with Tayechi slotting home from inside the box after a parried shot from Anisse Saidi. Despite Somalia settling into the match and nearly equalizing through a fierce strike from Anas Isse, Tunisia doubled their lead before halftime. Tayechi danced through midfield traffic before squaring it to Saidi, who calmly tucked it away in the 43rd minute.
The second half followed a similar script. Somalia struggled to retain possession under sustained Tunisian pressure, and in the 58th minute, Tayechi added his second goal with a low drive into the far corner after an incisive pass from Wassim Tissa. Though the goal was reviewed by VAR, it was ultimately upheld.Tunisia nearly made it four midway through the half, but Saidi's second of the night was ruled offside after another video review. Somalia pushed for a late consolation, with a flurry of corners and a long-range attempt by Isse that forced a save, but the Tunisian defence held firm.
Somalia, making their second consecutive appearance at the U-17 AFCON, hoped to build on their 2022 CECAFA championship and a historic point earned last year against Congo. Tuesday's defeat illustrates the step up in competition at the continental level—but also the steep learning curve for a young squad still finding its rhythm.
Head coach Liban Abdulahi is expected to rally his players ahead of their next match against Gambia on Friday—a must-win if the Ocean Stars are to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Somalia's young side still has it all to play for—but now they know the level required.
Tunisia, meanwhile, face off against fellow Group C leaders Senegal in a matchup that could shape the course of the tournament.
Match Summary:
Score: Tunisia 3–0 Somalia
Goals: Tayechi (6', 58'), Saidi (43')
VAR Decisions: Tunisia's fourth goal disallowed (offside), Tayechi's second confirmed
Next Matches: Somalia vs. Gambia; Tunisia vs. Senegal (both Friday)