Rwanda Edges Ethiopia to Secure Final AFCON Ticket as Stage Set for Continental SHost nation Rwanda clinched the third and final regional ticket to the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after battling to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ethiopia in the CECAFA U-17 Third-Place Playoff on Monday afternoon at the Kigali Pele Stadium.
The Amavubi U-17 side bounced back from their heartbreaking semi-final penalty shootout loss to secure the final qualifying berth designated for the CECAFA Zone.
With Rwanda taking the bronze and the final continent-bound spot, all eyes in the region now shift to the grand finale, where the finalists will clash for the regional CECAFA crown and the gold medal.
CECAFA Zone AFCON U-17 Qualified Teams
Somalia
Uganda
Rwanda
The stage is now set for the finals.
Both finalist nations arrived at the championship decider with their primary objective already accomplished—securing a coveted spot at the upcoming CAF U-17 AFCON tournament. However, regional supremacy and the CECAFA Gold Medal remain firmly on the line.
For the Ugandan Cubs, reaching the final reinforces the country’s youth development programs and continental footprint.
Having comfortably navigated their way into the title decider, Uganda faces a formidable Somali side in a battle that promises high-intensity youth football. “Our primary mission was to qualify for the AFCON finals, but wearing the jersey means fighting for every trophy available. We are going into the final focused and ready to bring the CECAFA gold back home,” Uganda U-17 head coach told reporters
Somalia reaches the final boasting a resilient defensive setup and a lethal attack, setting up an unmissable title clash against the Ugandan side.
Looking Ahead
With Uganda, Somalia, and Rwanda set to represent the CECAFA region on the continent, football fans can celebrate another milestone in regional youth football development while eagerly awaiting the final whistle to see which finalist claims the gold.
