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The eight teams competing in the CECAFA region for a place in the 2025 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U17) now know their group stage opponents following the official draw held on Thursday in Kampala, Uganda.
Initially, nine teams were expected to participate in the qualifiers, but Rwanda withdrew prior to the draw.
The remaining teams have been divided into two groups, with the tournament scheduled to take place in Uganda.
Group Allocations
Host nation Uganda will feature in Group A alongside Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Burundi. This group is expected to showcase some fierce competition as teams vie for a top spot.
Group B features a regional derby between neighbors South Sudan and Sudan. They are joined by Somalia and Kenya in what appears to be a more balanced group.
Preparations Underway
All participating teams are required to arrive in Uganda by December 9 to undergo mandatory magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests.
These tests will ensure player eligibility by verifying ages, as strict regulations govern the under-17 tournament.
Qualification Stakes
The stakes are high, as only the two finalists from the CECAFA region will secure spots in the final phase of the 2025 AFCON U17.
The tournament, showcasing some of the continent’s brightest young talents, remains a crucial platform for player development.
In the last CECAFA qualifiers, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Somalia triumphed with a 3-1 victory over South Sudan in the final.
Both nations will look to replicate their previous success in this year’s edition.
Group Stage Draw
Group A: Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burundi
Group B: Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya
The tournament also carries added significance as the host nation for AFCON U17 2025 is yet to be determined.
With Uganda stepping up as hosts for the qualifiers, it remains to be seen whether they will make a strong case to host the main event.
As the countdown to December begins, teams will intensify their preparations, knowing that only two can advance to the continental stage.
