Rwanda U17 got off to a slow start to CECAFA U17 after losing 2-0 to hosts Ethiopia the opening match of the tournament at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, on Saturday, November 15.

CECAFA U17 is serving as a qualifier for the 2026 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) U17 which will take place in Morocco, the same country will host senior men’s AFCON between December and January 2026.

Rwanda started on a slow pace and conceded the first goal in the 30th minute through Dawit Kasaw after a setup from Huzeyfa Shafi.

Ethiopia piled more pressure on Sosthene Habimana’s boys and doubled the lead five minutes later through Huzeyfa Shafi.

Rwanda will return to action on Friday, November 21, when they face Kenya in their second Group A match.

The top three teams in the CECAFA U17 tournament will automatically qualify for the 2026 AFCON U17 in Morocco.