The team left Kigali International Airport on Sunday, September 13, 2026, ahead of the tournament, which runs from September 15 to 25.

Head coach Cassa Mbungo André is leading a 25-player squad, assisted by Ntamuhanga Tumaini, physical trainer Peter Otema and goalkeeper coach Ndizeye Aimé Désiré ‘Ndanda’.

Rwanda is in Group A alongside hosts Tanzania and Ethiopia. The matches will be played at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, which was renovated ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Rwandan side comes into the tournament after playing two friendly matches against Sudan’s U-20 team. The first ended in a 2-2 draw, while the second finished 1-1.

Group B consists of Uganda, Sudan and Djibouti, while Group C features South Sudan, Burundi and Kenya.

The three group winners will advance to the semi-finals, alongside the best-performing second-placed team.

The two finalists will qualify to represent the CECAFA region at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Ghana.

The team left Kigali International Airport on Sunday, September 13, 2026, ahead of the tournament, which runs from September 15 to 25.
Head coach Cassa Mbungo André is leading a 25-player squad, assisted by Ntamuhanga Tumaini, physical trainer Peter Otema and goalkeeper coach Ndizeye Aimé Désiré ‘Ndanda’.
The players had spent the past week preparing for the tournament.


Rwanda’s 25-player squad heads to Tanzania for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.