The women's football championship was created in 2024, and initially involved only 80 players Credit: Hassan Ali ELMI / AFP

Hundreds of Somali spectators cheered as they watched two teams of young women play football in a Mogadishu stadium — an unimaginable scene in the conservative, conflict-hit country just a few years ago. 

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletters.

Already have an account? Sign in here.