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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A multinational sports event takes place at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2025. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa seeks to maintain a positive relationship and build cohesiveness with Allies and partners in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartosze
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Players assigned to the Japanese soccer team prepare for a game during a multinational sports event at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2025. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa works with allies and partners throughout the continent, building mutually beneficial relationships, which help to advance mutual interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartosze
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Players from the Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti and Task Force Associator soccer teams shake hands after a game during a multinational sports event at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2025. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa works with allies and partners throughout the continent, building relationships to maintain and protect capable and enduring locations across East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartosze
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A goalie assigned to the Japanese soccer team drop kicks a ball during a multinational sports event at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2025. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa hosted a multinational soccer tournament that increased morale and bolstered relationships with partners and Allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartosze
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A player assigned to the Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti soccer team hits the ball with his head during a multinational sports event at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2025. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa seeks to maintain a positive relationship and build cohesiveness with Allies and partners in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartosze
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Players assigned to the French soccer team kick-off the game during a multinational sports event at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2025. The multinational sports event hosted members from Djibouti, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartosze
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A player assigned to the Italian soccer team, left, runs past a player assigned to the French soccer team, right, during a multinational sports event at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2025. The multinational sports event hosted members from Djibouti, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartosze
Command Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted several partner nations to participate in a soccer tournament on January 15, 2025.
Teams included members from Djibouti, Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, South Korea as well as three U.S. teams from Camp Lemonnier. The event not only brought soccer players together to compete for a win but also fostered comradery and collaboration through teamwork.
“Much like in our military profession, victory on the field depends on our ability to communicate, work together and adapt to changing situations to move forward in pursuit of a common goal,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, commanding general of CJTF-HOA.
The tournament consisted of three rounds, including semi-finals and finals. In between matches, the teams played lawn games, warmed up together, enjoyed refreshments and friendly conversations.
Italian soccer team member and Legal Advisor, Matteo, spoke on the importance of these events.
“It helps foster our relationship in both a professional point of view and personal point of view. It’s a great chance for an exchange of cultural ideas, and it is another way for us to cooperate and collaborate on every single level.”
For most of the players, this isn’t a new sport as many have connections to soccer.
For Matteo, soccer has been a part of his life since he was three years old. His fondest memories were when he went to soccer games as a kid with his father, and watched Ronaldo LuÍs Nazário de Lima play for Brazil in the Milan stadium.
Another team member also shared similar sentiments, recanting how much the sport and togetherness meant to him.
U.S. Army Sgt. Marvens Ravix, on the Task Force Associator team, shared his favorite memories of soccer were before he immigrated to the United States. He would often play soccer with other kids in Haiti, barefooted and equipment-less in the streets, just them and the love of the game.
The tournament ended with the U.S. Camp Lemonnier Djibouti team placing first, with Djibouti second and Task Force Associator, another Camp Lemonnier team placing third.
“Today’s games are not just a chance to enjoy friendly competition and test our physical ability, but to strengthen our bonds of friendship and just enjoy the day together,” said Cashman.
It was evident that all the players showed great sportsmanship and had fun, not just scoring goals against the other team, but celebrating in playing the game with some new found friends.
