The draw for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers is scheduled for November 28, 2024, in Kampala, Uganda, according to Yusuf Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Director.
Mossi confirmed that the event will take place at the FUFA TV studio in Mengo, with nine teams expected to compete in the qualifiers, set to run from December 14 to 29 in Kampala.
However, he noted that all registered teams must reconfirm their participation ahead of the draw.
Competing Teams
The nine teams set to participate include hosts Uganda, along with Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania.
The top two teams from the qualifiers will secure a place at the final tournament of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Preparations Underway
Participating teams are required to arrive in Uganda by December 9 to undergo mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests, a standard procedure to ensure compliance with the age limit regulations set by CAF.
Yusuf Mossi highlighted the importance of the upcoming tournament, emphasizing its role in determining the CECAFA Zone representatives for the continental championship.
Previous Edition
In the last CECAFA qualifiers held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2022, Somalia emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over South Sudan in the final.
The tournament provided a platform for showcasing young talent across the region, and this year’s edition is expected to follow suit.
With the stage set for the draw and preparations well underway, the CECAFA qualifiers promise to deliver thrilling football action as the region’s best U-17 teams vie for a coveted spot in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
