- Maroodi-Jeex Region (Hargeisa) was crowned 2011 Somaliland national Football champions after defeating Hawd Region 1-0 at the Burao Alhamzy Stadium on Sunday.
The win by the new champions came via luck as ball possession was 50-50; this parity in game control came about both teams utilized similar technical skills thus equal strengths in all departments
The fast paced final match of this year’s National football competition was witnessed by thousands of spectators among them president Silanyo and a number of cabinet ministers, Members of the two houses of parliament, Regional administrators as well as traditional and religious leaders.
The winning goal was scored by maroodi Jeeh in the first half following a splendid build up from the teams midfield, that saw the Hawd defence lose position and expose their goalkeeper to a superb volley from Abdiriaq the Maroodi Jeeh’s dangerous striker.
Trophies and medals to various participating regional teams were awarded after the game by, President Silanyo who arrived in Burao in the early morning of the day, specifically to grace the occasion
The President congratulated all the eight regions that participated in the tournament as well as the organizers of the annual event for a well done job. Silanyo also thanked all institutions, individuals, Togdheer regional authority for contributing to the Alahmsay Stadium facelift.
The first to be awarded football medals by the President was runner- up Hawd regional Team and the new champions Maroodi Jeex respectively. Various companies were also awarded certificates in honour of their support both financial and material
It is the first time for the annual regional tournament which was last held in Hargeisa in 2007, to be hosted by Toghdeer Region and it is hoped that this trend will continue and see it hosted by the rest of the regions on an annual basis.
The runners up position for Hawd region has been hailed as an unprecedented achievement for it is the first time for the new region to participate in the tournament
For the first the 2011had eight regions participating, this addition in numbers was occasioned by the inclusion of the two new regions of Hawd and Gebiley.
Hawd region won a place in the finals after defeating the Regions of Salal, Odweine and Seerar in an new regions elimination tournament.
The Participating teams in all the annual tournaments were
■ Maroodi Jeeh Region (Hargeisa)
- Hawd Region (Baligubadle)
- Sanaag Region (Erigavo)
-Toghdeer Region (Burao), Host
- Sool Region (Las Anod)
- Awdal Region (Borame)
- Sahil Region (Berbera) and
- Gabile Region (gabile)
Though the regional tournament includes football, Basketball and Athletics, the main event has always been football and this year’s tournament has been special as all football matches were transmitted live by both the Somaliland National TV and Radio Hargeisa.
These live transmissions sponsored by Somtel company enabled Somalilanders to view the matches not only in the country but worldwide as well.
Source: The Horn
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