Rwanda U-17 head coach Jimmy Mulisa is determined to guide his team to the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare to face Somalia in the semi-finals of the ongoing CECAFA U-17 Championship.
Hosted by Rwanda, the tournament also serves as a qualifying competition for next year’s continental finals, which will be held in Morocco.
Rwanda booked their place in the last four after topping Group A with a perfect record of six points from two matches. The hosts defeated South Sudan and Sudan to finish top of the group and move within one victory of securing qualification for the continental showpiece.
Despite his team’s impressive start, Mulisa believes there is room for improvement, particularly in front of goal. He has urged his players to be more clinical as they prepare for the decisive encounter against Somalia.
"The team is playing well and creating many chances, but we are not converting enough of them,” Mulisa said.
"We need to be more clinical because such opportunities may not come often in crucial matches.”
The former Rwanda international acknowledged that the pressure surrounding the competition had affected his young players, particularly during their opening two matches.
"The players felt a lot of pressure in the opening match because of what was at stake,” he said. "The same pressure was evident in the second game, but I believe they will be more relaxed and confident in the semi-final.”
Mulisa is optimistic that his players will approach the clash against Somalia with greater composure, confidence and freedom.
"I believe they will settle down and play without fear in the next match,” he said. "We must continue reminding them that football is meant to be enjoyed.”
A former Amavubi striker, Mulisa is one of Rwanda’s notable football figures. Born in Kigali, the 42-year-old began his senior career at APR FC before playing professionally in Belgium, Romania, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Vietnam and India.
He represented Rwanda’s senior national team between 2003 and 2009, earning 17 caps and scoring two goals.
After retiring from professional football, Mulisa moved into coaching, taking charge of Sunrise FC, APR FC and the Rwanda national team. His experience at both club and international level has helped establish him as an important figure in Rwandan football and the development of young players.
With a place at the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations within reach, Mulisa has called on his team to seize the opportunity and make the most of their home advantage.
"We must do everything possible to seize this chance and qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said. "If we can go on and win the CECAFA title as well, that would be a great achievement.”
The CECAFA region will have three representatives at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. A victory over Somalia in the semi-finals would guarantee Rwanda a place at the continental tournament.
However, should Rwanda lose, they would still have another opportunity to qualify through the third-place playoff, where they would face the loser of the other semi-final between Uganda and Ethiopia.