Djibouti has been confirmed as the hosts of the CAF U-23 qualifier preliminary round return leg fixture between Rwanda and Somalia on May 9. Somalia Football Federation (SFF) secretary general Hassan Mohamed Mohamud revealed this in a letter to Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), yesterday, saying that the Gouled Stadium in Djibouti will be the venue for the tie. This follows confusion that ensued on Monday when the tie was left in balance after Kenya snubbed Somalia’s request to host the game citing security concerns and lack of clearance from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kenya. On Monday, FERWAFA had requested the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to intervene and ask SFF to find a venue for the encounter. Rwanda boasts of two-goal advantage courtesy of Yannick Mukunzi and 16-year-old Kevin Muhire. Johnny McKinstry’s side will be hoping to build on that to qualify for the next round of qualification where they will meet Uganda. The winner of that tie will meet Egypt in the last round of qualification for the quadrennial CAF U-23 Championship scheduled for December 5-19 in Senegal that will attract eight teams. The top three sides at this continental event will qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
