Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s national under-17 football team advanced to the final of the CECAFA U-17 Championship on Saturday after defeating hosts Rwanda 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the semifinals at Kigali Pele Stadium.

The victory sends Somalia into Monday’s final against Uganda, which had already secured its place in the championship match. Somalia, the 2022 CECAFA U-17 champions, will be seeking another regional title.

After a goalless first half, Rwanda took the lead when substitute Patrick Ujeneza dribbled past two Somali defenders before beating goalkeeper Khalid Nor.

Somalia responded four minutes later through Mohamud Osman, who scored after Rwanda’s defenders failed to clear the ball.

With the score level at 1-1 at the end of regulation time, the match went to a penalty shootout, where Somalia prevailed 5-4.

“I am so happy that my players remained focused and came from behind to score and later win in penalties,” Somalia coach Dadir Ami Ali said. “We now go and prepare for the final against a strong Uganda team.”

The result continues Somalia’s campaign in the regional qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdukadir Ali, and Somali Football Federation President Ali Abdi Mohamed Shiine, who also serves as vice president of CECAFA, congratulated the players and coaching staff following the victory.

The officials praised the team's performance and determination in reaching the final.

Somalia previously won the CECAFA U-17 Championship in 2022 and will have an opportunity to claim another title when it faces Uganda on Oct. 19.

Meanwhile, Rwanda will face Ethiopia in a third-place playoff on the same day, with the winner securing the region’s third qualifying berth for the 2027 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.