Dharkeynley’s 17 year-old striker Abdulkadir Mohamed Hassan scored the lone goal from a free kick in the 25th minute of the first half of the very competitive match which attracted about 50,000 spectators including the president of the Somali republic Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, minister of sports Mohamed Mohyaddin Sheik and Somali Football Federation president Said Mahmoud Nur.
A dozen of other government ministers, parliamentarians and the mayor of Somali Capital were also watching the final match.
Nearly ten thousand fans returned from the entrance gate of the stadium, because there was no empty seat at the stadium as hundreds of spectators were sitting on the walls, while more others climbed over near by buildings to watch the match from there.
Somali President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed told the conclusion ceremony that Somali Football federation did an unprecedented job, because he said that to him it was unbelievable that such big number of people can be brought together at one place in the same time.
“I praise the Somali football Federation for the great role it is playing in the restoration of peace and public integration through football for peace matches” the president said in his closing address on Friday adding that football is powerful and can play a larger role in pacifying the whole country.
“For the next tournament we hope from the Somali Football Federation to invite us to this stadium with an artificial football turf” the president said. “Last night’s condolence letter from FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter shows that the world football family is always on
Somali Football Federation President Said Mahmoud Nur told the ceremony that it was part of Somali Football Federation’s policy to hold football for peace tournaments across the country in a bid to make the Somali people forget the hardships caused by the long-running civil wars in the country.
“I am congratulating you on your victory in the tournament—this is the award you deserved after a marathon struggle for the past 12 days, I hope that you and your team members and all fans will happily sleep tonight” the president told Dharkeynley district team captain as he was presenting the trophy to him.
A trophy and 25 golden medals were presented to the winning Dharkeynley district team, while the second place trophy and 25 silver medals were presented to Yaqshid district team and 25 bronze medals with the 3rd place trophy to Hodon district team.
Meanwhile, Somali Football Federation media department praised the media outlets who gave much time to cover the football for peace tournament since it started here in
“Our particular thanks are due to the Nairobi-based Bar-kulan radio and Radio &TV Shabelle in
Somali Football Federation Media Department
Email:somalifootballmedia@gmail.com