Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Rwanda\u2019s APR FC will face Gaadiidka FC of Somalia in the CAF Champions League preliminary round with the first leg scheduled to be played on August 19 in a yet to be named venue in Rwanda before a second leg trip to Banadir in Mogadishu on August 25.<\/p>\nDespite being one of the oldest clubs in East Africa, little is known about Gaadiidka FC nor their exploits over the years making them look underdogs before the Rwandan champions.<\/p>\n
Times Sport takes a look at the club\u2019s football history since its inception, their success, style of play and key players among other aspects.<\/p>\n
History<\/p>\n
Gaadiidka FC, previously known as AutoParco, is a Somalian Premier League club based in the Banadir part of Mogadishu.<\/p>\n
The club is owned by the Transport Department of the Somalian Government and it was established in 1942 to provide recreation in sports for workers at the institution.<\/p>\n
Football was actually being played in Somalia during the colonial era in the early 1930’s but there was no organised league as football was just played for the fun aspect.<\/p>\n
As a UN trust area, mini football competitions were played and AutoParco now known as Gaadiidka won it in 1954\/55, 1955\/56 and 1956\/57 making them the first team in the country to win the competition three times in a row.<\/p>\n
It was not until 1958 when the country had a recognized league with Bondere FC winning the first title.<\/p>\n
Going into oblivion<\/p>\n
AutoParco, who have now changed their name to Gaadiidka FC, failed to glitter after 1961 when Somalia gained independence as teams such as Lavori Publici, Horseed FC and others took control.<\/p>\n
Gaadiidka FC struggled for years but after money was pumped into the team, they bounced back, winning the league title in 1990. It was their first trophy in 33 years.<\/p>\n
They failed to maintain their grip on the league title and went again on another 20-year trophy drought before triumphing again during the 2020\/21 season.<\/p>\n
Gaadiidka in 2022\/23<\/p>\n
After winning the title in 2021, they again lifted the title in the 2022\/23 season.<\/p>\n
They were trailing Heegan FC in the second round before going on a winning spree to overtake them.<\/p>\n
Out of 16 games they played, Gaadiidka FC won 10, lost four and drew two. They were an exciting force to watch throughout the season with superb performances.<\/p>\n
Their best game of the season was against Jazeera on Friday, October 28, 2022, when they thrashed the side 4-0.<\/p>\n
Stadium<\/p>\n
The Garoonka Banaadir Stadium in Mogadishu is one of the intimidating venues in the country.<\/p>\n
The 10,000 capacity edifice in Mogadishu is the home grounds of Gaadiidka and they hardly lose a game there.<\/p>\n
Key player: Pentecost Obiechina<\/p>\n
On July 1, 2022, Gaadiidka FC brought in the Nigerian winger Pentecost Obiechina who is by far the best player in the Somalian Premier League history.<\/p>\n
Obiechina, 25, spent five years playing in Europe for clubs in Czech Republic and Slovakia and he was an established name before coming to Somalia.<\/p>\n
He played for Senica FC, the biggest Club in Slovakia. A very tricky winger, Obiechina is noted for his pace and ability to create chances.<\/p>\n
The Nigerian player is more of a provider than a scorer though at times he chips in a couple of goals.<\/p>\n
Strongest department<\/p>\n
The wings of Gaadiidka FC are their strongest hold and most of their attacks are launched from that area.<\/p>\n
Obiechina can operate from both flanks and he is the key man who provides the arsenals for the Somalian champions.<\/p>\n
Weakest department<\/p>\n
Gaadiidka FC are very porous at the back as they concede a lot of goals. In the 16 games they played in the 2022\/23 season, they let in 15 goals which is almost a goal per every game though they also scored 28.<\/p>\n
Style of play<\/p>\n
Gaadiidka mostly uses the wings to great effect. They play the orthodox 4-4-2 formation and the number 7 and 11 are very key as they send in the crosses to be connected by an attacking duo at the front line.<\/p>\n
For More News And Analysis About Rwanda<\/a> Follow Africa-Press<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Edmund Okai Gyimah Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda\u2019s APR FC will face Gaadiidka FC of Somalia in the CAF Champions League preliminary round with the first leg scheduled to be played on August 19 in a yet to be named venue in Rwanda before a second leg trip to Banadir in Mogadishu on August 25. Despite […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":48613,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,18],"tags":[760,763,758],"class_list":["post-48615","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-sport","tag-africa-press","tag-africa-press-rwanda","tag-rwanda"],"yoast_head":"\n
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