By Abukar Osman - Reporter
KIGALI, 17 October 2026 – Somalia's under-17 national football team defeated hosts Rwanda 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the 2026 CECAFA U-17 final and qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Somalia responded four minutes after going behind when Mohamud Osman dribbled past Rwanda's defenders to equalise, cancelling out substitute Patrick Ujeneza's second-half opener at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday.
The semi-final finished goalless in the first half before Ujeneza gave Rwanda the lead. With neither side finding a winner in the remaining minutes, Somalia prevailed in the shootout.
The victory secured Somalia's qualification for the 2027 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, joining final opponents Uganda, who had already booked their place.
Somalia head coach Dadir Amin Ali praised his players for maintaining concentration after conceding.
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"I am very happy that my players stayed focused, recovered after conceding the opening goal and went on to win the penalty shootout. We will now prepare for the final against a strong Uganda team," Dadir said.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre congratulated the team, saying the achievement demonstrated the talent, determination and promising future of Somalia's young footballers and encouraging them to represent Somalia and its flag with distinction in the final.
Separately, Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports described it as a historic victory, noting the national team had reached the tournament's final for the second time in four years after winning the CECAFA U-17 championship in 2022 – a milestone for the country's youth programme.
The ministry expressed hope that the team would repeat that success and bring the trophy back to Mogadishu.
Somalia will now face Uganda in the final.