After breaking Somalia’s 36-year absence in the CAF Champions League, Dekedaha Sports Club now finds itself facing one of the toughest challenges in African football: back-to-back matches against Tunisia’s footballing giants, Esperance de Tunis. Both legs will be played in hostile territory, setting up a daunting task for the Somali champions.
Dekedaha’s triumph in the first preliminary round, a thrilling 5-4 aggregate victory over Djibouti’s AS Arta, was a historic moment for Somali football. It marked the first time in decades that a Somali team advanced in Africa’s most prestigious club tournament. However, their success now leads to an even more formidable opponent in Esperance, one of the most decorated clubs on the continent with multiple CAF Champions League titles to their name.
The decision to play both legs in Tunisia — a move dictated by Somalia’s lack of adequate football infrastructure — underscores the challenges facing Somali football. Financial constraints and a shortage of suitable stadiums have long forced Somali clubs to play home matches abroad. Dekedaha’s earlier victory over AS Arta took place at the Azam Sports Complex in Tanzania, another neutral venue. The inability to host international fixtures on Somali soil is a stark reminder of the obstacles Somali football must overcome to compete at the highest level consistently.
However, the unusual arrangement of playing both matches in Tunisia offers Dekedaha a rare tactical advantage. By avoiding a second long-distance trip, the team can focus its energy entirely on preparation, minimizing the fatigue that often accompanies grueling travel schedules. For a team built on defensive discipline and tactical organization, this stability could work to their benefit. Nevertheless, they will have to face the hostile crowd of Esperance’s passionate supporters, a challenge that will require immense concentration and composure over both legs.
Dekedaha’s defensive resilience and tactical discipline will be crucial as they take on one of East Africa’s footballing powerhouses. Playing in front of Tunisia’s fiercely loyal and vocal fan base — renowned for creating one of Africa’s most intimidating football atmospheres — adds a psychological dimension to the contest. Dekedaha will need to maintain focus for the full 180 minutes if they hope to stage an upset.
For Dekedaha, merely reaching this stage of the competition is a landmark achievement. This is the first time in 36 years that a Somali team has advanced beyond the opening round of the CAF Champions League. The team’s domestic success, capped with a 4-1 victory over Horseed FC to clinch the Somali Premier League title, signals their intent to break into the ranks of Africa’s football elite. However, turning local dominance into continental glory requires more than just talent. It demands resilience, adaptability, and belief in the face of overwhelming odds.
Esperance, with their storied history and numerous CAF titles, represent the epitome of African football excellence. For Dekedaha, this clash is more than just a football match — it is an opportunity to test themselves against the best, to rise to the occasion, and to showcase Somali football on the continental stage. These are the moments that define a club’s legacy, and Dekedaha has a chance to write a new chapter in theirs.
The first leg of this CAF Champions League showdown will take place on September 15, kicking off at 12:00 p.m. local time in Tunisia, with the second leg scheduled for September 21 at 2:00 p.m. Dekedaha, a team accustomed to defying the odds, now embarks on what could be its toughest challenge yet.
But with determination, tactical discipline, and a belief in the possibility of making history, they have the chance to upset one of Africa’s most powerful football clubs and continue their incredible journey.
