Baanadir Stadium and of Mogadishu National Stadium in the Somali capital Mogadishu.
In August 2011 the Al-Qaeda-allied extremist group Al Shabaab was driven from Mogadishu by the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). After two decades of near-constant conflict, Somalia is enjoying a period of peace and growing security.
Mogadishu National Stadium was formerly a main base for Al Shabaab. The group used the stadium as their headquarters and as a training ground for their fighters. Under the Shabaab's rule, social pastimes and sports such as football were banned.
Baanadir Stadium has been re-surfaced with a new artificial playing surface. Funded by FIFA, the Somali Football Federation will soon begin repair work on seats, parking and other facilities that were damaged during the last 20 years.
The contest for the African Cup of Nations began on January 19 in South Africa. Africa’s top football teams are competing. Until now Somalia has not been taking part due to the ban by Al Shabaab.
All Photos: AU-UN IST PHOTO / STUART PRICE.
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