by Farah M. Ali (Blue)
Hiiraan Online
Friday, January 21, 2011
Somali Football League kicked off.Somali Football League 2010-2011 kicked off today as tens of thousands filled University Stadium in Mogadishu for the first time in four years, despite the conflict that is still forcing people to flee their homes in and around the capital.
30 minutes of the opening ceremony was followed by the first game of the league between Banaadir Telecom and Heegan FC which ended 1-0.
Heean went on to win the game by one goal to nil. Jabril Hassa put one in the 88th minute – when the game was on the verge of heading to a goalless draw and sent his team to lead the League.
“The chance came and I took it, I am happy about the goal and I want to score more a great goals" said Hassan how is also Somali U 20 forward.
The league holders Banaadir Telecom were today clearly the more aggressive and dangerous side, but they failed to get shot on goal. The defensive strategy worked for Heegan and kep clean sheet.
Post match inteview Heegan manager Abdi Kus hails hialed his sides performance “It's always important to win the first match of the League, my boys made some mistakes first half of the game and responded much better in the second half” he stated
“My players are young. this gives them energy and motivation”
Ali Buu, Banaadir coach said that he is disappointed with the result.
“Of course I am disappointed, and the players are as well. We had a lot of the ball but didn’t make a lot of it and Heegan defended with heart.
“We looked vulnerable defensively”
“Heegan were better side today , and i have to congratulate, because they really did well and won the game” he said.
On Monday the giants of Elman FC and Savana FC will face each other, while SITT Dallo will take on Horseed FC on Tuesday.
The Somali Football League is just eight teams and was first created and played in 1951.
Farah M. Ali (Farah Blue)
Somalia+East and Central Africa Football Writer.
Email: [email protected]