The North Eastern National Polytechnic Grounds in Garissa witnessed a thrilling display of football as the United Team of Bula Gudud, now proudly known as Dobale, fought their way into the quarterfinals of the Garissa Galbet Peace Cup.

Sponsored by Ambassador Mohamed Shidiye, the tournament has been a symbol of unity and sportsmanship in the region, and this match was no exception.

Dobale faced off against the formidable Hidaya FC in what can only be described as a nail-biting encounter.

From the first whistle, it was clear that both teams were here to win. The match saw end-to-end action, with both sides creating several scoring opportunities.

The deadlock was finally broken when Dobale’s forward, Ahmed Mohamed, found the back of the net with a powerful shot in the 35th minute.

However, Hidaya FC responded quickly, equalizing just before halftime with a well-placed header from their star midfielder, Ali Hassan.

The second half was a tense affair, with both teams vying for control of the game.

Despite several close chances, neither side was able to add to their tally, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

With the game finely balanced, it all came down to the dreaded penalty shootout to determine who would advance to the quarterfinals.

In the shootout, Dobale’s players held their nerve. Goalkeeper Abdullahi Aden was the hero of the day, making two crucial saves that tilted the balance in Dobale’s favor.

The final penalty was slotted home by team captain Abdi Yusuf, sparking jubilant celebrations among the players and fans alike.

“We knew it would be a tough match,” said Abdi Yusuf, reflecting on the game. “Hidaya FC is a strong team, and they pushed us to our limits. But we believed in ourselves, in our training, and in each other. This victory is a result of our hard work and the incredible support we received from our fans. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

His sentiments were echoed by midfielder and fan-favorite Ibrahim Noor, who played a pivotal role in controlling the tempo of the game.

“It wasn’t just about the 11 players on the pitch; it was about the entire squad, the coaches, and every single person who’s been with us throughout this journey. This win is for all of us,” he said.

“We’ve faced challenges, but we’ve always come through because of our unity and determination. Now, we’re ready to take on whatever comes next in the quarterfinals.”

Striker Ahmed Mohamed, who scored Dobale’s only goal during regular time, shared his thoughts on the team’s performance.

“Scoring that goal was special, but the real victory was how we stayed together as a team when things got tough. When we stepped up for those penalties, we knew we couldn’t let our supporters down. Their belief in us gave us the strength to see it through.”

Defender Hassan Abdikadir also highlighted the importance of the team’s solidarity.

“Our defense had to stay sharp throughout the game, and even when Hidaya FC equalized, we didn’t let it shake our confidence. We’ve been working on our penalties in training, so we felt prepared for that moment. It’s a huge relief to come out on top, and we’re excited to keep this momentum going.”

With this hard-fought victory, Dobale now advances to the quarterfinals with a renewed sense of purpose and pride.

The team’s journey through the Garissa Galbet Peace Cup has been one of resilience and unity, qualities that will undoubtedly serve them well as they continue to chase the championship.