Head coach Mawien Deng Ajing, popularly known as Manawa, led the Bright Stars through a campaign that ended in the group stage, as the young team paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The Young Bright Stars recovered from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3–2 victory over Sudan in their final Group A match, although their hopes of reaching the semi-finals remain dependent on results elsewhere.
The Young Bright Stars had only four substitutes for their Group A opener against hosts Rwanda, despite travelling with 20 players for the 2026 CAF U17 AFCON qualifiers, CECAFA Zone. Reported documentation discrepancies and passport-related problems affected five players, according to a team offic
