KIGALI — Somalia’s national under-17 football team reached the final of the CECAFA U-17 Championship on Saturday after defeating hosts Rwanda 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in their semifinal at Kigali Pele Stadium.
The victory secured Somalia a place in Monday’s final against Uganda, who had already booked their place in the championship match. Somalia, champions in 2022, will now have the opportunity to claim a second regional title.
Somalia Fight Back to Force Penalties
The semifinal remained goalless throughout the first half before Rwanda broke the deadlock through substitute Patrick Ujeneza. He dribbled past two Somali defenders before beating goalkeeper Khalid Nor to give the hosts the lead.
Somalia responded just four minutes later when Mohamud Osman found the net after Rwanda’s defenders failed to clear the ball, bringing the score to 1-1.
Neither side managed to find a winning goal in the remaining time, sending the match to a penalty shootout. Somalia held their nerve to win 5-4 and secure their place in the final.
Somali Officials Congratulate Team
Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdukadir Ali, and Somali Football Federation President Ali Abdi Mohamed Shiine, who also serves as vice president of CECAFA, congratulated the players and coaching staff following the victory.
The officials praised the team’s determination and performance in overcoming the hosts and advancing to the final.
Somalia Target Second Regional Title
Somalia previously won the CECAFA U-17 Championship in 2022 and will be aiming to repeat that success when they face Uganda in the final on October 19.
Meanwhile, Rwanda will meet Ethiopia in the third-place playoff on the same day. The winner will secure the region’s third qualifying berth for the 2027 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Somalia’s qualification for the final marks another important opportunity for the country’s young footballers to compete for regional honors and build on the progress of youth football.
