From Liverpool and Man City to non-league football: Somalia’s Jarma Mohamed eyes Ghana upset

Jarma Mohamed has gone from sharing dressing rooms with some of England’s brightest young talents at Liverpool and Manchester City to playing eighth-tier football in England. Now, the 21-year-old midfielder is preparing for another remarkable chapter as he targets an upset against Ghana with Somalia in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Liverpudlian’s football journey has taken several unexpected turns, including spells at two of England’s biggest clubs, a scholarship at Wigan Athletic and a move into non-league football after being released in 2024.

Despite the setbacks, Mohamed has kept his ambitions alive and earned another opportunity to represent Somalia, the country of his family’s heritage.

Born in Toxteth, Liverpool, to a family with Somali roots, the midfielder has embraced the opportunity to represent the Ocean Stars. His grandfather moved from Somalia to Liverpool, where he became part of the city’s sizeable Somali community.

Mohamed made his international debut against Mauritius in March, helping Somalia reach the final qualifying round of the AFCON for the first time in their history.

His involvement in the national team has given his career fresh purpose, particularly after a difficult period navigating English football outside the professional ranks.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Mohamed recalled his introduction to football, explaining how his mother pushed to get him involved from an early age.

“My mum was probably fed up with me just booting stuff in the house, so she got me involved as early as I could,” he said.

“When I was three she was begging teams to take me because the age that you’re allowed is four.”

Liverpool, Man City spells and an unexpected career detour

Mohamed’s talent attracted the attention of an Everton scout, leading to his involvement with the Merseyside club before he eventually joined Liverpool at nine.

Two years later, he moved to Manchester City, where he continued his development alongside several players who have since established themselves in senior football.

He later secured a scholarship at Wigan Athletic, describing the experience as one of the most memorable periods of his football career.

Among his former teammates are Liverpool forward Jayden Danns and England internationals Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly, who featured alongside him during his time at the two Premier League clubs.

However, his journey took a different direction after Wigan released him in 2024.

He subsequently played for non-league sides Bamber Bridge and Newcastle Town before finding an unexpected opportunity with Jersey Bulls during the summer.

The Isthmian League South Central Division side discovered Mohamed through Player, a football recruitment application that connects players with clubs.

Although Jersey Bulls operate as an amateur club without player salaries, Mohamed secured a coaching job on the island to support himself while continuing his playing career.

“I know the club’s amateur and no-one gets paid, but we worked out a job that aligns with the things that I do, obviously me having Uefa C licence coaching is something that I’d easily do and I’ve come over and done it,” he explained.

He now works as a youth coach while anchoring the midfield for Jersey Bulls, who compete in the eighth tier of English football.

Somalia dream fuels ambition ahead of Ghana showdown

Mohamed’s international breakthrough has arguably been the biggest highlight of his recent career.

He described receiving his first invitation to join Somalia as an emotional moment, revealing how representing the country strengthened his desire to continue pursuing football.

“It was a random Wednesday afternoon in my kitchen and I was made up,” he recalled.

“I could physically see the community close to home, and going out to the camp and experiencing what that’s like, it really lit a fire that I didn’t even know I could get as far as trying to push my football career.”

Somalia have since secured their place in a challenging AFCON qualifying group featuring Ghana, Ivory Coast and Gambia.

The Ocean Stars have lost their opening two matches, conceding late goals against Gambia and Ivory Coast, but Mohamed believes the team has demonstrated its ability to compete.

The squad comprises players from across the Somali diaspora, with footballers representing different countries and backgrounds.

“When we’re all there, and even lads who are local and playing in the Somali league, everyone’s just one family,” he said.

“That’s one thing which we’re really good at, we’re together as a team, there’s no egos.”

Somalia currently sit above Ghana on goal difference, with both teams having lost their opening two matches.

The two countries will meet in back-to-back fixtures in Accra, with the Ocean Stars hoping to revive their qualification campaign.

For Mohamed, facing players from some of the world’s biggest leagues will not change his approach.

“The same way I treat every game, you can only play what’s in front of you,” he said.

“If you play the name or an occasion you’re losing before you’ve even kicked a ball.”

Despite Somalia’s difficult start, the midfielder remains convinced that qualifying for the tournament must be the team’s objective.

“The aim is to qualify,” he added.

“If you come to do nothing less than that you may as well stay home.”

Somalia’s challenge is significant, but Mohamed is determined to help the country achieve something special, regardless of the difference in resources and experience between the Ocean Stars and their opponents.