By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s under-17 national football team claimed a decisive 3–0 win over Rwanda on Monday, significantly boosting their chances of advancing to the semifinals of the East and Central Africa youth football tournament currently taking place in Ethiopia.
The convincing victory came during Somalia’s fourth match of the regional competition, where the young Ocean Stars once again demonstrated maturity, discipline, and growing confidence on the pitch. From the opening whistle, Somalia controlled possession and dictated the tempo, showcasing improved teamwork and sharper attacking play compared to earlier matches.
Somalia opened the scoring midway through the first half after a well-coordinated build-up that split Rwanda’s defence. The young Ocean Stars doubled their lead shortly after the break, capitalizing on defensive errors and maintaining consistent pressure on their opponents. A late third goal sealed the win, reflecting Somalia’s dominance throughout the match and energizing the Somali fan base following the team closely.
This latest result extends Somalia’s unbeaten run in the tournament. The side now has one win and three draws from four games, earning a total of six points. Despite their strong performance, Somalia’s fate in the competition is not entirely in their own hands.
The Ocean Stars’ chances of qualifying for the semifinals depend on the outcome of the upcoming match between Kenya and South Sudan. A defeat for Kenya would secure Somalia a place among the final four teams, while a Kenyan victory would mathematically end Somalia’s campaign.
Somalia’s U-17 squad has been praised by coaches and supporters for its resilience and steady improvement throughout the tournament, with many viewing their performance as a promising sign for the future of Somali football.
Tournament organizers in Ethiopia say the competition aims to strengthen youth football across the East and Central African region, offering young players exposure to international-level competition and professional development.
