CECAFA Nations Keep World Cup Dream Alive as Final Qualification Round Awaits
The dream of reaching the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup remains alive for Ethiopia and Kenya after both East African nations successfully navigated the second round of the African qualifiers, moving within one step of securing a place at Morocco 2026.
In a qualification campaign that has highlighted the growing strength of women’s youth football in the CECAFA region, Ethiopia and Kenya produced resilient performances to advance, while Tanzania’s journey came to an end against South Africa.
Kenya’s progress was secured in dramatic fashion. After earning a valuable 1-1 draw away to Uganda in Kampala, the Junior Starlets held their rivals to a goalless draw in Nairobi. With the aggregate score tied at 1-1, Kenya advanced on the away-goals rule, sparking celebrations among home supporters and keeping alive hopes of a second consecutive appearance on the global stage after their breakthrough qualification for the 2024 tournament.
For Ethiopia, the road to the final qualification round was built on determination and composure. Holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, the Ethiopian side travelled to Bujumbura knowing that Burundi would provide a stern test in front of their home crowd.
The hosts made the perfect start when Dancille Iranzi found the net just five minutes into the match, briefly raising hopes of a comeback. Ethiopia, however, refused to panic. Showing maturity beyond their years, they gradually regained control before second-half goals from Mihret Ayele and Lydia Eyasu silenced the crowd at Intwari Stadium and secured another 2-1 victory.
The result completed a convincing 4-2 aggregate triumph and underlined the progress Ethiopia has made in developing its women’s youth football structures in recent years.
While Ethiopia and Kenya celebrated advancement, Tanzania’s campaign ended in frustration. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the Tanzanians needed a strong response away to South Africa but were unable to break down their opponents, settling for a goalless draw and a 2-0 aggregate defeat.
The final qualification round now presents an even greater challenge. Ethiopia have been drawn against Zambia, one of Africa’s most respected women’s football nations, while Kenya face South Africa in a clash that promises to be fiercely contested. Elsewhere, Nigeria will meet Benin, and Senegal will take on Ghana.
With Morocco already assured of participation as hosts, only four additional African nations will earn tickets to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals.
For Ethiopia, qualification would mark a historic first appearance at the tournament and further evidence of the country’s growing investment in the women’s game. Kenya, meanwhile, are aiming to continue the remarkable rise that has transformed them into one of East Africa’s emerging forces in youth football.
Beyond the individual ambitions of the two nations, their success reflects a broader shift across the CECAFA region. Once considered outsiders in women’s football, East African countries are increasingly challenging traditional continental powers thanks to improved youth development programmes, stronger domestic competitions and greater support for girls’ football.
As the final round approaches, Ethiopia and Kenya find themselves on the brink of history. Ninety minutes or perhaps a little more now stand between them and a place on football’s biggest youth stage. For two nations chasing a dream, the opportunity could not be bigger.
