Dekadaha FC Makes History in Nairobi with Dramatic CAF Confederation Cup Qualification

In what can only be described as an evening of drama, resilience, and footballing brilliance, Dekadaha FC, one of Somalia’s top football clubs, secured a historic qualification to the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup after a nail-biting two-legged tie against Sudanese side Alzamala Umwaraba.

Having arrived in Nairobi on September 15, 2025, Dekadaha FC came focused and well-prepared, knowing that their “home” leg would be hosted in Kenya due to the lack of a CAF and FIFA-certified stadium in Somalia. Behind the scenes, Salient Sports Management, Africa’s leading sports logistics and event management company, was tasked with overseeing all operational and logistical needs of the team — and they delivered with precision and professionalism.

Strong First Leg Performance Sets the Tone

Dekadaha FC, a club proudly run by the Somalia Ports Authority, opened their CAF campaign with an impressive 1-0 victory over Alzamala Umwaraba on September 21 at the Nyayo National Stadium. The match showcased disciplined defending, sharp movement, and a clinical finish that gave the Somali side a crucial edge heading into the second leg.

Salient Sports Management ensured the team had everything they needed for optimal performance from smooth visa processing and airport transfers to top-tier hotel accommodations, training facilities, local transport, and match coordination.

“Our role was to ensure Dekadaha FC could focus solely on football,” said a representative from Salient Sports. “Everything else—logistics, security, media coordination, and hospitality—was our responsibility, and we’re proud to have delivered a world-class experience.”

 A Second Leg Full of High Drama

The return leg on September 29 at Kasarani Stadium was one for the history books. Dekadaha FC walked onto the pitch holding a slim 1-0 advantage. However, Alzamala Umwaraba came out fighting, scoring two unanswered goals to flip the aggregate score to 2-1 in their favour. With time slipping away and elimination looming, Dekadaha FC showed incredible composure and grit.

In the dying minutes of the match, the team struck a decisive away goal, bringing the aggregate score to 2-2—but more importantly, giving them the advantage on away goals. That one goal changed everything. The Somali club, though defeated on the night, won the tie and advanced to the next round, sparking emotional celebrations both on the field and among their travelling fans.

Salient Sports: The Team Behind the Team

Much of the success off the pitch can be attributed to Salient Sports Management’s meticulous planning and flawless execution. From training session bookings and matchday coordination to fan hospitality, match security, and CAF protocol management, Salient handled every detail with finesse.

“The work of Salient Sports allowed us to focus on what we do best—play football,” said a Dekadaha FC official. “Their professionalism and support were critical in helping us achieve this incredible milestone.”

This match not only marked Dekadaha FC’s progression in Africa’s second-tier club competition but also signified a giant leap for Somali football, showcasing the nation’s growing strength in continental competitions.

A Bright Future for Somali Football

This dramatic qualification sends a clear message: Somali clubs are no longer underdogs. With rising standards on and off the pitch, and the support of elite partners like Salient Sports Management, teams like Dekadaha FC are proving they belong on Africa’s biggest stages.

As Dekadaha FC looks ahead to the second round, they do so emboldened by their achievement and buoyed by a sense of national pride.

Salient Sports Management extends its congratulations to Dekadaha FC for this outstanding accomplishment and reaffirms its commitment to empowering African clubs with world-class sports management and logistics solutions.