POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Faisal Aden
As indicated in my previous post, Somalia's team which is currently making strides in Tanzania at the African Championship-qualifiers, has a lot of talent on the roster.
It became evident to fans, journalists and opponents after their "shocking" 81-79 winner over favorites Keny yesterday in Dar es Salaam.
Led by San Diego-based Abdi Faras (203) and Faisal Aden (193-G-89, college: Washington St.) who netted in 26 and 20 for the war-torn country, the Kenyans were simply suprised early on with a 19-9 run in the first quarter and even though they managed to bounce back a bit to win the second quarter 26-21 and the third with 28-20, Somalia returned back at the right moment to win the last quarter 21-16 and managed to clinch the "W" at the end of the day. Burundi is up next for Somalia, and with a possible win, the chances increase to clinch a spot in the African Championships in the Ivory Coast this year. The last time Somalia participated in the major continental event was back in 1983.
Somali Roster in Tanzania
1. Faisal Aden (Texas Legends)
2. Abdi Faras (Barstow Community College)
3. Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85, college: San Diego St.) (Lukoil Akademik Sofia)
4. Munye Sufi Haydar (Ohio State - Marion)
5. Osman Abdirahman
6. Osman Mohamed (Guelph College)
7. Hussein Mahdi
8. Liban Hassan (Centennial College)
9. Hoessein Addow (205-F-70, agency: R.H.Consultancy) (Rotterdam Challengers)
10. Yusuf Qaafow (190-G-87) (Melbourne Giants)
11. Abdi Mohamed (Yakima Valley Community College)
12. Mohmed Ali
