Eto'o, Adebayor and Okocha light up Mogadishu! (Video)

Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, pulsed with excitement this week during an extraordinary event. As part of a FIFA-organized “peace tour,” the “African Legends” took on the “Somali Legends” in a celebratory match that brought together iconic figures from across the continent, including Samuel Eto’o, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jay-Jay Okocha.

A symbolic moment

Built in 1977, Mogadishu Stadium was once a beacon of African sport. But since the outbreak of civil war in 1991, it was successively occupied by armed groups, including Al-Shabab.

Restored in recent years, it now once again hosts local competitions and is slowly reclaiming its original purpose.

This exhibition match marked the return, after several decades, of international players to Somali turf. And what stars they were!

A football festival

Amid raucous cheers from an ecstatic crowd, the legendary Samuel Eto’o, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jay-Jay Okocha dazzled on the pitch.

All three found the back of the net in a clash that ended 8-4 in favor of the “African Legends.” Video:

This was also an opportunity for Somalia to advocate for its return to hosting official competitions. A dream in the making.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.