Ethiopia U-17 Team Loses 2-1 to Rwanda in CECAFA Play-Off and Misses AFCON

The Ethiopia U-17 men’s team lost 2-1 to Rwanda on Monday in the third-place play-off of the CECAFA U-17 qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda. The defeat means Ethiopia’s under-17 players will not go to the 2027 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) runs the regional qualifiers. Uganda and Somalia had already qualified by reaching the final, so Monday’s play-off decided the third and last place for the region. Rwanda, the host country, won that place, CECAFA reported. The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) said Ethiopia finished fourth.

Two Rwanda Goals in 16 Minutes

Rwanda took the lead in the fifth minute at Kigali Pelé Stadium. Heylen Jayden Shema scored with a shot from outside the penalty area, according to CECAFA. The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) said on X that it was his first goal for Rwanda. The federation described him as a young player from KV Mechelen, a club in Belgium.

Ethiopia almost replied in the eighth minute, but Rwanda goalkeeper Emmanuel Nsengiyumva stopped a shot from Abdisa Gutema, CECAFA said. Rwanda scored again in the 16th minute, when Isaac Ndizeye headed the ball into the net from a corner kick.

Ethiopia continued to attack and scored three minutes before halftime. Akrem Abduselam finished from close range, CECAFA reported, and FERWAFA recorded the goal in the 42nd minute. Akrem also scored when Ethiopia beat Burundi 3-0 a week earlier. Both teams had more chances after the break, but neither scored again, CECAFA said.

Rwanda Qualifies for the First Time Since 2011

The win sends Rwanda to the Under-17 AFCON for the second time. Its only other appearance came in 2011, when Rwanda hosted the tournament and lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso in the final, CECAFA said. FERWAFA called the qualification “a historic milestone for Rwandan football.” Jimmy Mulisa, a former player for Rwanda’s national team, coaches the side. Rwanda reached the play-off after Somalia beat it on penalties in Saturday’s other semi-final, ENA noted.

Ethiopia’s Road in Kigali

The American coach Benjamin Ziemer leads Ethiopia’s team, ENA reported. After the win over Burundi, a 1-1 draw with Uganda sent Ethiopia to the semi-finals as the best second-placed team. Uganda then beat Ethiopia 4-0 in Saturday’s semi-final, and the play-off became Ethiopia’s last chance.

Before Monday’s game, FERWAFA noted that Ethiopia had qualified for the Under-17 AFCON four times, in 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2026. ENA said the team played at the 2026 tournament, which was also held in Morocco.

Uganda Wins the Final on Penalties

Later on Monday, Uganda beat Somalia 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the final at the same stadium, CECAFA said on X. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) reported that goalkeeper David Ssegirinya saved three penalties in the shoot-out. “I am very happy with the players because we worked so hard,” Uganda coach Laryea Kingston told FUFA.

Uganda players also won the main individual awards, CECAFA said. Captain Henry Muhoozi was named Most Valuable Player, Arnold Kayemba finished as top scorer, and Ssegirinya was named best goalkeeper. Uganda, Somalia and Rwanda will now represent the region in Morocco, where 16 teams will play at the 2027 tournament, ENA reported.