Somalia secure first win since 2019 with victory over Bahrain

Somalia recorded their first-ever win in all competitions since 2019 on Monday. The Ocean Stars defeated Bahrain 2–1 in an international friendly as they gear up for 2025 FIFA Arab Cup qualifying. The East African nation last won a game in 2019 against Burundi in the CECAFA Championship.

Yusuf Ali Nur’s charges came into the match after ending their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with five consecutive defeats. Bahrain took the lead, but the Ocean Stars equalized through Mohamed Omar, who slotted home from close range after good work by Hassan Sak at the stroke of halftime. Essa Adan completed the comeback ten minutes before time.

Somalia had managed only 4 draws in their last 22 games in all competitions. Their memorable goalless draw against Guinea was their best result, but now they have inflicted a 2–1 defeat on the Gulr nation, who are ranked much higher than the Ocean Stars in the FIFA standings.

They will face Oman in the Arab Cup first qualifying round on November 26th.