Rwanda's quest to reach the final of the CECAFA U-17 Championship came to a painful end on Saturday after the hosts suffered a 5-4 penalty shoot-out defeat to Somalia following a 1-1 draw in a fiercely contested semi-final at Kigali Pele Stadium. Despite the heartbreak, the Junior Wasps produced a spirited display against the 2022 CECAFA champions, who not only advanced to the final but also secured a qualification slot for the 2027 AFCON U-17. After a cagey first half in which both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, Rwanda emerged from the break with renewed energy and purpose. Their persistence paid off when substitute Patrick Ujeneza made an immediate impact. The forward collected the ball on the edge of the area, skipped past two Somali defenders and calmly slotted beyond goalkeeper Khalid Nor to send the home crowd into celebration. Rwanda looked set to build on the momentum, but Somalia responded swiftly. Just four minutes later, a defensive lapse allowed Mohamud Osman to capitalise on a loose ball inside the box and fire home the equaliser. The goal shifted the balance of the game as both teams searched for a winner. Rwanda continued to push forward, backed by a passionate home support, while Somalia remained dangerous on the counterattack. With neither side able to find the decisive breakthrough, the match headed into a penalty shoot-out. The hosts matched Somalia kick for kick in the tense contest from the spot, but the visitors held their nerve when it mattered most, edging the shoot-out 5-4 to seal a place in the final and book their ticket to the 2027 CAF U-17 AFCON. For Rwanda, the defeat was a bitter setback after a courageous performance in which they battled until the final whistle. However, their continental ambitions remain alive. They will now turn their attention to a decisive play-off against Ethiopia on October 19, where victory would secure the third and final CECAFA qualification slot for the 2027 CAF U-17 AFCON. While Somalia celebrated qualification and a place in the final, Rwanda left the pitch with heads held high after demonstrating the fighting spirit and character that could yet carry them to the continental showpiece.
