Somalia U-17 Face Rwanda in CECAFA Semi-Final with AFCON Spot in Sight

GOOBJOOG NEWS | KIGALI: Somalia’s under-17 national team will face Rwanda on Saturday in the semi-finals of the CECAFA U-17 Championship, with a victory taking the Ocean Stars closer to qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The match will be played at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda’s capital, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Somalia time.

Somalia reached the semi-finals after finishing top of Group C. The young Ocean Stars drew 1-1 with Tanzania before securing a 2-0 victory over Kenya to advance to the knockout stage.

Youth and Sports Minister Mohamed Abduqadir Ali and Somali Football Federation President Ali Abdi Mohamed, also a CECAFA vice-president, recently arrived in Rwanda to support the team.

The two officials praised the players for their performances in the group stage and urged them to maintain their determination as they seek a place in the final and aim to represent Somalia on the continental stage.

A win over Rwanda would send Somalia into the tournament final and strengthen its bid to qualify for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be held in Morocco.