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Somalia drawn with Rwanda, Sudan and South Sudan in U-17 qualifiers as regional football authorities finalize the official groupings for the upcoming tournament. The official draw took place at the Azam TV studios in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, setting the stage for an intense regional showdown. Ten national member associations have registered their youth squads for the Zonal qualifiers, which are scheduled to be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 10 to 19. Placed into Group A, the young Somali squad will face formidable competition against tournament hosts Rwanda, alongside traditional regional rivals Sudan and South Sudan.
The high-stakes regional qualifiers will determine which nations advance to represent the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations at the continental championship. According to the tournament format outlined by regional governing bodies, the top teams from each of the three groups will automatically secure their spots in the semi-final stage. They will be joined by the best performing second-placed team from across all groups, keeping qualification pathways open and competitive. Ultimately, the two finalists alongside the winner of the third-place play-off will earn coveted tickets to the main continental tournament.
Preparation camps across participating nations are shifting into high gear as youth coaches finalize their tactical setups and player selections ahead of the October kickoff. Sports analysts note that regional youth tournaments provide an essential platform for nurturing emerging football talent, building international experience, and strengthening competitive standards across East Africa. For the Somali delegation, rigorous training regimens and focused tactical planning will be vital to navigating the challenging group fixtures and securing a successful run in Kigali.
As the countdown to the opening whistle continues, fans and sports associations alike look forward to an exhilarating showcase of youth athletic talent and sportsmanship. The upcoming fixtures in Rwanda promise high drama, tactical battles, and decisive encounters as aspiring football stars vie for regional supremacy. Through dedicated preparation and disciplined execution on the pitch, all competing teams remain focused on achieving their ultimate ambition of reaching the prestigious continental finals.