How it happened: 5 key moments leading to tragic blast at Mogadishu cafe during Euro 2024 final

On Sunday night, a festive atmosphere turned tragic outside the Top Coffee cafe in Mogadishu where fans had gathered to watch the Euro 2024 final.

What started as a communal celebration of football ended in horror due to a powerful explosion.

Pulse Sports looks at how the events unfolded leading up to the blast as per reports by DW.

Early in the evening groups of football enthusiasts began arriving at the Top Coffee cafe.

Located in the heart of Mogadishu, near the presidential palace compound known as Villa Somalia, the cafe is a popular spot among government employees.

The final match of Euro 2024 had drawn a large crowd eager to watch the culmination of one of Europe’s most prestigious sporting events.

Despite the festive atmosphere there was an underlying tension due to Mogadishu's history of violence and attacks particularly by the Islamist militia group Al-Shabab.

The area was moderately secured, with police patrols visible, given the cafe's proximity to significant government buildings.

Patrons tried to focus on the game but the presence of security forces served as a grim reminder of the constant threat looming over public gatherings in the city.

As the match kicked off the crowd's attention turned to the screens.

Cheers and groans filled the air with each close call and goal attempt, painting a picture of communal joy and shared passion for football.

The cafe, usually a bustling hub for discussions and debates, united everyone under the banner of sport, momentarily putting aside the everyday struggles and fears.

Just before halftime, a loud explosion suddenly ripped through the evening calm.

Major Abdifatah Aden Hassan, a police spokesman, reported that at least five people died and another 20 were injured, with warnings that these preliminary tallies might rise.

Investigators later indicated that a car parked outside the cafe, suspected to contain a bomb, had exploded.

The blast caused significant damage to nearby buildings and incited a large fire, casting a dark shadow over what had been a lively gathering.

The explosion triggered immediate chaos and witnesses described scenes of panic as the crowd scrambled for safety, with many injured by the blast.

Police swiftly cordoned off the area to facilitate emergency response teams and to prevent further casualties.

The cafe’s proximity to significant government buildings added to the urgency of the response, complicating rescue efforts amidst fears of potential secondary attacks.

The attack bore a painful resemblance to a 2010 bombing by the Islamist al-Shabab militia in Uganda during the World Cup final.