Tuesday October 20, 2026
Kigali, Rwanda (HOL) — Uganda defeated Somalia 6-5 in a penalty shootout Monday to win the CECAFA qualifying tournament for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after the final ended 0-0 in regulation time.
Uganda goalkeeper David Ssegirinya emerged as the decisive figure at Kigali Pele Stadium, making several important saves during the match before stopping three penalties in the shootout.
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Both teams had already secured qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations by reaching the regional final.
Somalia created chances of its own during the match, with Abdullahi Hashi forcing a save from Ssegirinya from a free kick, while Asad Mohamed and Mohamud Osman missed opportunities late in the game. Uganda also threatened repeatedly, including a long-range effort from Sumaku Mutawakali that struck the crossbar.
Neither side could score before the final whistle, sending the championship match directly to penalties.
Ssegirinya then saved three Somali spot kicks as Uganda prevailed 6-5 to claim the regional title. He was later named goalkeeper of the tournament after conceding only once during the competition.
“I am very happy with the players because we worked so hard, topped the group, beat Ethiopia in the semis and now lifted the trophy after winning on penalties,” Uganda coach Kingston Laryea said.
Uganda captain Henry Muhoozi described the victory as a proud moment after leading his country to both the regional championship and qualification for next year’s continental tournament.
“We are very proud of ourselves and thank everyone for the support,” Muhoozi said.
Somalia coach Dadir Amin Ali praised his players for reaching the final and securing another appearance at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
“As a coach I am very proud of my boys because it has been real hard work,” Ali said.
Somalia reached Monday’s final after eliminating host Rwanda 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 semifinal draw. Mohamud Osman scored Somalia’s equalizer four minutes after Rwanda took the lead in the second half.
Uganda qualified for the final with a 4-0 semifinal victory over Ethiopia.
Somalia’s run continues a strong period for its youth team. The country won the CECAFA U-17 title in 2022 and will now return to the continental championship after finishing runner-up in Kigali.
Uganda has now won the CECAFA U-17 title three times in recent editions, including championships in 2020 and 2024.
Rwanda secured the region’s third qualification place for the 2027 U-17 AFCON after beating Ethiopia 2-1 in the third-place playoff.