Somalia’s envoy condemns Mogadishu City Club fans for disrespecting Kenyan flag at CAF clash
Though the incident cast a shadow over an otherwise competitive first-leg encounter, officials from both countries emphasised the need to refocus on the spirit of the game and the opportunities football provides for strengthening ties between Kenya and Somalia.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, has strongly condemned Mogadishu City Club supporters who disrespected the Kenyan national flag during the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup fixture between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC.
The incident occurred on September 20 at the Nyayo National Stadium and has drawn widespread criticism after videos circulated online showing Somali fans engaging in actions perceived as offensive to Kenya.
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Speaking at a press conference at the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Ambassador Abdulle said the behaviour of a few individuals had overshadowed what should have been remembered as a successful sporting event between two neighbouring nations. He was joined at the briefing by players from Mogadishu City Club.
The Ambassador expressed regret over the incident and firmly condemned the actions of those involved, stressing that football should unite rather than divide.
“We celebrate the bonds of brotherhood that unite our peoples, and we continue to value the vital role Kenya plays in supporting Somalia’s progress and regional integration,” he stated.
Professionalism
He commended the Kenya Police Service, the administration of Kenya Police FC, the Football Kenya Federation, and Sports Kenya, which manages the Nyayo National Stadium, for their professionalism in ensuring the safety of both players and fans during the match.
Somalia, he added, deeply appreciated the support extended to the Mogadishu City Club throughout the tournament and urged both nations to continue fostering regional sporting cooperation.
“Let us remember that football is more than a game,” the ambassador said. “It is a bridge of friendship, a unifier of peoples, and a reflection of African unity and sportsmanship. Let us work collectively to preserve the true spirit of the game, ensuring that it remains a source of harmony, dignity, and shared aspirations for a brighter and more prosperous future.”
The condemnation followed the circulation of videos showing two Mogadishu City Club supporters kicking and trampling on a Kenyan flag. In another clip, a man was seen snatching a Kenyan flag from a Kenya Police FC supporter and throwing it to the ground. The footage quickly went viral, sparking outrage from Kenyan fans and officials.
In response, Mogadishu City Club issued a statement distancing itself from the behaviour, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the values of the team and Somali football.
“On behalf of Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the government and people of Kenya,” the statement read. “Such behaviour has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents.”
Full cooperation
The club pledged full cooperation with Kenyan authorities and said it would support any measures taken against those responsible.
Mogadishu City Club coach Ali Abukar also addressed the matter, insisting the actions did not represent the club, its players, or the wider fan base.
“I am not proud of what those individuals have done,” he said. “They acted on their own, and they do not represent me.”
Though the incident cast a shadow over an otherwise competitive first-leg encounter, officials from both countries emphasised the need to refocus on the spirit of the game and the opportunities football provides for strengthening ties between Kenya and Somalia.
As the teams prepare for the second leg, Somali and Kenyan officials have called on fans to uphold respect and discipline inside and outside the stadium, reminding them that sports should be a platform for unity and mutual understanding, not division.
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