Ethiopia U-17 coach Benjamin Ziemer believes his side can overcome Uganda Cubs in Saturday’s semi-final of the 2027 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers if they become more clinical in front of goal.

The Red Foxes face Uganda at Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda on October 17, with a place in the final and qualification for the continental tournament at stake.

Ethiopia drew 1-1 with Uganda in their Group B meeting on Wednesday, but Ziemer believes his team can produce a different performance in the rematch.

“Our aim is to qualify for AFCON. The next step is to convert more of our chances,” Ziemer said.

“I think we will create chances. We always do. We’ll make some changes and bring in some fresh players. It’s important that we score a few goals and keep them limited again.”

The coach said preparations were ongoing, with his side using the remaining time to fine-tune their approach.

“We still have 24 hours, so we’ll finish preparations by the time we play,” he said.

Ethiopia opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Burundi on October 12, with Zemichael Minyahel, Akrem Abduselam and Abdisa Gutema scoring.

Minyahel also scored against Uganda, giving Ethiopia the lead before Arnold Kayemba equalised to earn the Cubs a draw.

Uganda finished top of Group B with four points, ahead of Ethiopia on goal difference. The Cubs opened with an 8-0 demolition of Burundi, while Ethiopia advanced as the best second-placed team across the three groups.

Despite Uganda’s strong record in previous meetings, Ziemer believes his current squad has improved tactically and has the personnel to challenge the Cubs.

“Every player has changed, so that was a different team. We are a little bit more tactically diverse. We have a different player pool,” he said.

“I have watched coach Laryea quite a bit over four events. This is the fourth time we’ve been in the same event together, so we’re trying to do something different.”

Uganda beat Ethiopia 3-0 in last year’s semi-final and recorded the same score in the 2020 edition. The Cubs also won 3-1 in a regional final, while Ethiopia claimed a 1-0 victory in a group-stage meeting in August 2018.

For Ziemer, reaching the 2027 U-17 AFCON would be a major milestone for Ethiopian youth football, especially as the country seeks to qualify for a second consecutive edition.

“I think it would be the first time they’ve ever done it, two consecutive AFCONs,” he said.

“We just began this project last year. Uganda, Tanzania and others are 10 to 15 years ahead of us, so it’s important that these players get extra international experience.”

Ziemer believes playing at the continental tournament would give his youngsters the exposure they need to develop and eventually break into the senior national team.

“Making it to AFCON gives them those next three matches, and hopefully a fourth and a fifth. It’s important for them to get international experience,” he said.

“Ultimately, our aim is to identify and develop players for the senior team. This experience is very valuable for them.”

Three teams from the CECAFA qualifiers will earn places at the 2027 U-17 AFCON. The two semi-final winners will meet in the final, while the losing sides will contest third place. The finalists and the third-place winner will secure the three available qualification slots.

Uganda Cubs will be keen to reach the final, but Ethiopia have their own ambitions.