Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania claim big wins in U-17 AFCON qualifiers

The 2025 African Under-17 Cup of Nations CECAFA Zone qualifiers kicked off in Ethiopia as Uganda, Tanzania, and hosts Ethiopia bagged massive victories on Saturday.

The tournament is being staged in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa as nations vie for a place in the 2026 U17 AFCON, which is due in Morocco.

Hosts Ethiopia kick-started their campaign with a confidence-boosting win over Rwanda. The Red Foxes were the better side in the first half and scored two unanswered goals during the interval as they cruised past Rwanda at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.

Dawit Kassaw opened the scoring after dreadful defending from the Rwandan side, and Huzifa Shafi doubled the lead with a brilliant strike as the hosts took maximum points in Group A. In the other game, Somalia staged a late comeback to force a two-all draw against South Sudan. Somalia took the lead through Anas Mohamed, but Samuel David and Juo Panom turned the result around for the South Sudanese. The Ocean Boys salvaged a point through a late strike from Bilal Yusuf.

Ethiopia Leads U-17 AFCON Qualifiers Group With Three Points.

In Dire Dawa, the 2024 CECAFA U17 finalists Uganda and Rwanda opened their campaign with huge victories over Burundi and Sudan. Holders Uganda cruised past Burundi 4–0.

The U-17 side of Uganda is also competing in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the Round of 16. A first-half brace from Thomas Ogema and Owen Mukisa was enough for the Cubs to get a comfortable win.

Tanzania ran riot against Sudan. Tanzania defeated Sudan 6–0. Dismus Athanasi completed his brace within six minutes as Nhingo Luzelenga, Kassim Juma, Soann Shabani, and Hamisi Baruai struck the other goals. Tanzania tops Group B with three points, bettering Uganda on goal difference.