Somalia battle Rwanda as CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship kicks-off

The CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship finally kicks off this afternoon with a Group A match between Somalia and Rwanda at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, Kenya.

Omar Ahmed, the Somalia coach has made it clear that they are determined to make a good start in the tournament. ” The team is well prepared and ready to start with a win, ” added Ahmed.

The Somalia team will include some players who featured in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-17 this year in Algeria.

But the Rwanda coach Baptiste Kayiranga has also talked about the importance of defending the Rwanda flag which will push his team to go out and get positive results. ” The team is ready and looking forward to make a good start in the group, ” said Kayiranga.

After the opening match hosts Kenya will take on Sudan in a match that promises to be a thriller. Salim Babu, the Kenya coach has made it clear that his players are ready for the challenge. ” We call upon the home fans to come and support the team, ” he added.

Action in Group B to be played at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega will take place on Sunday with Zanzibar facing South Sudan, while Tanzania battle Uganda in the second match.

Yussuf Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Director says they are excited on having the competition because it will prepare teams in the Zone to prepare ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-20 qualifiers next year.

The best two teams in each group will qualify for the semi final stage. The play-off for third place and the final will be played on December 8th, 2023 in Kisumu.

Group A : Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda, Sudan

Group B : Tanzania, Zanzibar, South Sudan, Uganda