By HAN News Desk
ADDIS ABABA — CECAFA Competitions Director Youssuf Mossi has commended Ethiopia for hosting the U17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers, saying the tournament presents major benefits for both the host nation and the wider East and Central African football region. Mossi made the remarks during a media briefing held alongside Stephen Mutinda, CECAFA’s Digital and Media Officer.
Mossi noted that the championship offers Ethiopia an important opportunity to build its capacity in staging high-level sporting events, adding that the experience will be instrumental as the country pursues its bid to host the 2029 Africa Cup of Nations.
“It’s an opportunity for Ethiopia to bolster vital experience in organizing continental tournaments, aligning with its ambitious goal of hosting the 2029 AFCON,” Mossi said. “It also underscores CECAFA’s ongoing commitment to youth football development across the region.”
The qualifiers, which showcase some of the region’s most talented young players, will run from 15 November to 2 December, with matches scheduled at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa International Stadium. Both venues have undergone upgrades to meet CAF competition standards.
According to CECAFA, the tournament serves not only as a platform for nurturing future national team players but also as an important avenue for strengthening collaboration and competitiveness among member associations. The event is expected to attract scouts, supporters, and football stakeholders from across the region.
