Somalia Drawn With Sudan, Rwanda and South Sudan in U-17 AFCON Qualifiers

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has been drawn alongside Sudan, Rwanda and South Sudan in Group A of the regional qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 tournament, following the draw held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The CECAFA regional qualifiers will bring together 10 countries; Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, in a tournament scheduled to take place in Rwanda from October 10 to 19.

The teams have been divided into three groups, with Somalia set to face three opponents in Group A as it seeks to advance to the continental tournament. The competition will carry significant stakes, with the top three finishers, the champion, runner-up and third-placed team, earning qualification for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Somalia’s Football Federation president and CECAFA vice-president Ali Abdi Mohamed, widely known as Ali Shiine, wished the national youth side success and urged the players to maintain their commitment and hard work as they prepare for the regional tournament.

He also called on the squad to aim for another strong performance that could create a memorable moment for Somali football and supporters as the team competes for a place at the continental finals.