Rwanda U17 have been under a storm of public criticism following a dismal performance in CECAFA U17 championship taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Sosthène Habimana’s side recorded three consecutive defeats in the tournament including Monday’s 3-0 at the hands of Somalia in final match of the group stage held at Abebe Bikila Stadium on Monday, November 24. The team’s performance prompted widespread criticism from football supporters across the country after closing the group stage campaign with a winless record. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s youth football dilemma: What must change to return to Africa and global stage Rwanda started the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Ethiopia on November 15. Their second match saw Kenya come from behind to win 2-1 on November 21, effectively ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations U17. Across three matches, Rwanda managed only one goal and conceding six, finishing the phase at the bottom of Group A with zero points. The results left many football enthusiasts unimpressed, questioning the state of youth football development in the country. Oh my God! I'm not underestimating Somalia, but if we've reached this point... we might as well leave football alone. Let's stop forcing things, Rwandan journalist Richard Kwizera posted on X. Katonda wange‍!!! I am not underestimating #Somalia, but if we have reached this point....umupira tuwureke pe. Tureke guhatiriza https://t.co/4irssAXp7r — Richard Kwizera (@Muzungu4) November 24, 2025 Renowned sports journalist David Bayingana had already raised his concern after Rwanda U17 lost 2-1 against Kenya. Bayingana blasted the current state of football development system, pointing to comparisons with neighboring nations like Uganda who are represented at FIFA World Cup U17 and CECAFA U17 at the same time and still get good results at both tournaments. Imagine Somalia and South Sudan have surpassed us! Uganda has reached the point of having a team in the U17 World Cup in Qatar and another in CECAFA. 15 years ago, we were leading all of them – going to Mexico in 2011 for the World Cup. Shame on us, he said, adding that the shortcomings shouldn’t be attributed to the youngsters. Ibaze za Somalia, South Sudan Zaradusize! Uganda igeze aho igira Ikipe Mugikombe Cy’isi cya U17 muri QATAR n’indi Muri #Cecafa Imyaka 15 Ishize, Aba Bose Twari Tubayoboye - Tujya Mexico Muri 2011 mugikombe Cy’isi SHAME ON US , the Young Ones Forgive us, Its Not Your Fault pic.twitter.com/e2yvM5aRvH — David Bayingana (@david_bayingana) November 22, 2025 Bayingana was referring to Rwanda's participation in the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico, where the country competed on football's global stage at youth level. ALSO READ: Rwanda endure slow start at CECAFA U17 Uganda’s current success story in youth football development has been cited by Rwandan football enthusiasts as evidence of the gap between their country's youth program and those of regional competitors. Meanwhile, the latest results raise questions about talent identification, coaching standards, and competitive preparation at the junior level One fan identified as Eveline Ndamukunda said that Rwandans should accept the harsh reality of having a poor national team but suggested that it is high time such performance stopped. Dear FERWAFA, we, Rwandans deserve more than this. How on earth are we supposed to raise our heads with these results? Isn't it better for us, Rwandans, to acknowledge this harsh reality of having no national team? Please stop embarrassing ourselves, she said. CECAFA U17 continues in Addis Ababa, with other participating nations competing for qualification spots to the continental championship. It serves as a qualifier for the 2026 AFCON U17 which will take place from December to January 2026.
