Rwanda began their campaign at the CECAFA U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Sudan at Kigali Pelé Stadium. Kevin Munyembaraga scored the decisive goal for Rwanda 10 minutes into the second half, giving the young Wasps a winning start in front of their home crowd. The match demanded patience before the breakthrough arrived, with both sides approaching the first half cautiously.
Rwanda's Head Coach Jimmy Murisa believes his side still has work to do to reach its full potential despite the opening victory. "I would say we are 70% there. We need another 30%, so we must continue working hard and see how we can get there," Murisa said after the match. He congratulated his players for their effort, acknowledging that the team created further chances in the closing stages but could not extend their lead.
Uganda's Junior Cranes produced a dominant attacking display against Burundi, scoring four times in each half to register an emphatic 8-0 victory. Arnold Kayemba set the tone with two goals in quick succession in the 19th and 21st minutes. Arafat Ibanda added a third in the 35th minute, with Nicholas Kawoya scoring shortly before the interval, sending Uganda into the break with a commanding four-goal lead.
Uganda's Sebastian Fisher Quinn struck three times in the second half, completing a hat-trick, while Ofoyrwoth Junior also found the net as Uganda continued to exploit their advantage. The Junior Cranes maintained their attacking momentum after the restart, showcasing their team's strength in the tournament.
In another match, Tanzania completed a 2-0 win over Kenya. Dismas Athanasi broke the deadlock in the 27th minute before Godfrey Somi doubled Tanzania's advantage in the 56th minute. Rwanda also had representation among the match officials, with Patience Rulisa, Emmanuel Habumugisha, and Alice Umutesi assigned to officiate the Kenya-Tanzania encounter.
The opening day of the CECAFA U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers offered contrasting demonstrations of how teams can secure results. Rwanda secured a hard-fought defensive performance, Uganda achieved an overwhelming attacking efficiency, and Tanzania earned a two-goal win. For Murisa and his young players, the immediate task will be to build on their opening victory while addressing the missed opportunities that prevented Rwanda from winning by a wider margin.
With Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania all starting with victories, the tournament is off to an exciting start. The involvement of Rwandan officials highlights the contribution of Rwandan officials to the conduct of the regional tournament, which brings together young footballers and match officials from across the CECAFA zone. The teams will look to build on their opening performances in the coming matches.
Key points
- Rwanda secured a 1-0 victory over South Sudan.
- Uganda thrashed Burundi 8-0 in the CECAFA U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Tanzania completed a 2-0 win over Kenya.
