MOGADISHU (SD) – The outgoing Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has extended condolences to the families of victims of an improvised explosive device (IED) in the southern city port of Kismayo of Jubbaland state.

The IED blast on Friday evening targeted a bus carrying soccer players in Southern Somalia.

The players of the Jubaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry club were due for a game at the Kismayo city stadium in south Somalia when the blast hit their car.

Jubaland state leader, Ahmed Mohamed Madobe was expected to watch a game.

At least four players have died in the blast and wounded eight others, according to Jubbaland police spokesperson, Mohamed Jama Irro.

In a statement, Farmaajo blamed al-Shabaab for carrying out the attack.

“Somali president expressed his condolences over the deaths of the young players who were killed by al-Shabaab terrorists in Kismayo,” said a presidential statement released to the Somali state television.

No group has so far claimed the responsibility for the attack which comes the onset of the elections of the lower and upper houses.

Kismayo, the capital of southerly state of Jubaland, is located about 500 kilometers (310 miles) southwest of the Somali capital.