Rwanda’s U17 national football team, known as Amavubi U17, has been drawn in Group A for the upcoming CECAFA U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers, a regional tournament that will determine which teams represent the CECAFA zone at the 2025 CAF U17 AFCON. The competition will be hosted in Ethiopia from November 15 to December 2, 2025. The official draw took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the FUFA Television studios in Uganda, where Rwanda learned it would face tough competition from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. Host nation Ethiopia and defending champions Uganda wer
Rwanda’s U17 national football team, known as Amavubi U17, has been drawn in Group A for the upcoming CECAFA U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers, a regional tournament that will determine which teams represent the CECAFA zone at the 2025 CAF U17 AFCON. The competition will be hosted in Ethiopia from November 15 to December 2, 2025. The official draw took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the FUFA Television studios in Uganda, where Rwanda learned it would face tough competition from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. Host nation Ethiopia and defending champions Uganda were given the privilege to lead their respective groups. Uganda, which currently holds the title, was placed in Group B alongside Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan, and Burundi. Each group is composed of five teams, and according to the tournament’s format, the top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals. The finalists will automatically qualify to represent the CECAFA region at the 2025 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations, giving this tournament extra significance for all participating nations. Under the guidance of Head Coach Sosthene Habimana Lumumba, Rwanda’s U17 side has been training intensively every weekend as part of its preparation for the competition. The team will begin a residential training camp on November 1, where the coaching staff will finalize the squad that will travel to Ethiopia. The current provisional list includes a promising mix of home-based talents and young players developing abroad, many of whom are part of renowned academies such as FC Bayern Academy, Tony Academy, and Umuri Foundation. The goalkeeping department includes Irakaza Don Divin (FC Bayern Academy), Habimana Jacques (APR FC Junior), and Inezaye Prince Gedeon (Gasogi United Junior). In defense, the lineup features Niyonzima Muhudi, Shyaka Khalifa, Gisubizo Emmanuel, and Ishimwe Fred — all from the FC Bayern Academy — alongside Rutagengwa Ndoha Nasri (Police FC Junior), Nkurunziza Egide (Mahembe FTC), Mukiza Cyusa Lanny (Club Soccer LaSalle), and Juda Fisher Anderson (Sacramento Republic FC). In midfield, the options include Bahati Pacifique (FC Bayern Academy), Mugisha Huzayifa (Tony Academy), Karibu Gustave (Umuri Foundation), Gisubizo Patrick (Umuri Foundation), Mazimpaka Serge (Police FC Junior), Birori Mutabazi Gedion (Gasogi United Junior), Micomyiza Norbet (Intare FC Junior), Ntwali Sharif (APR FC Junior), Dushime Jean Claude (Tony Academy), and Musabyimana Joseph (RFC Seraing, Belgium). The attacking force looks equally strong with Niyonzima Zaidi (FC Bayern Academy), Kwihangana Elyse (Police FC Junior), Kwizera Aime Prince (Tony Academy), Mugunga Daniel (Tony Academy), Uwizeye Remy Bienfaiteur (Umuri Foundation), Iradukunda Patrick (Gorilla FC Junior), Nshimiyimana Olivier (FC Bayern Academy), Izere Nzabahabwa Nicolas (FC Bayern Academy), Bizimana Umugiraneza D (Gasogi United Junior), and Bagabo Enzo (Club RWDM Molenbeek).
Rwanda’s U17 national team, Amavubi, will battle Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan in Group A of the CECAFA U17 AFCON Qualifiers to be held in Ethiopia.
The technical staff guiding this young generation includes Head Coach Sosthene Habimana, Assistant Coaches Alain Kirasa and Dieudonne Muyenzi, Goalkeepers Coach Peacemaker Habimana, and Fitness Coach Peter Kagabo. Their combined experience is expected to play a key role in helping the young players adapt to the competitive nature of international football. With a blend of local and international talent, Rwanda’s U17 team is entering this competition with renewed determination and ambition. The young Amavubi are expected to put up a strong fight in Group A against the host nation Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan as they aim for a place in the semifinals and, ultimately, qualification for the 2025 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Rwanda’s U17 team, led by Head Coach Sosthene Habimana Lumumba, with Assistant Coaches Alain Kirasa and Dieudonne Muyenzi, Goalkeepers Coach Peacemaker Habimana, and Fitness Coach Peter Kagabo, is preparing intensively for the CECAFA AFCON Qualifiers in Ethiopia.
Rwanda’s U17 national team has been drawn in Group A alongside Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan for the CECAFA U17 AFCON Qualifiers in Ethiopia from November 15 to December 2, 2025.
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