Rwanda secured qualification for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Ethiopia 2-1 in a thrilling CECAFA U17 third-place playoff at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Monday.

The victory earned the Junior Wasps the final qualification slot from the regional qualifiers and sent Rwanda back to the continental showpiece for only the second time in the country's history.

Rwanda's previous appearance at the U-17 AFCON came in 2011 when the country hosted the tournament in Kigali.

On that occasion, the young Amavubi reached the final before narrowly losing to eventual African champions Burkina Faso.

The hosts made a dream start against Ethiopia, taking the lead as early as the sixth minute through Heylen Jayden Shema, who capitalized on Ethiopia’s defensive lapse to put Rwanda ahead.

Jimmy Mulisa’s side doubled their advantage 10 minutes later when Isaac Ndayizeye rose highest to head home from a well-delivered set piece in the 16th minute, sending the home supporters into celebration.

Ethiopia responded before halftime and halved the deficit in the 42nd minute through Jamar Akram Abdusalem, setting up a tense second half.

Despite sustained pressure from the visitors after the break, Rwanda showed resilience and defensive discipline to protect their lead until the final whistle and secure a historic qualification.

The result capped a successful campaign for the young Rwandans, who bounced back from the disappointment of missing out on a place in the final to clinch the coveted AFCON ticket.

Their qualification means Rwanda will join the continent's best youth teams at the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they will seek to build on the legacy of the 2011 side that reached the final on home soil.

Head coach Jimmy Mulisa and players celebrated wildly at full time as fans at Kigali Pelé Stadium hailed a new generation of talent that has restored Rwanda's presence on Africa's biggest youth football stage.