Uganda Cubs face defining test against Ivory Coast after defeat to Cameroon

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U-17 Africa Cup of Nations

Group B

Cameroon 1 Uganda 0

Ivory Coast 1 DR Congo 0

Tuesday

Uganda v Ivory Coast 7 pm

DR Congo v Cameroon 10 pm

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Uganda Cubs head coach Laryea Kingston remains focused despite suffering their first defeat at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Cubs lost 1-0 to Cameroon on Saturday in a tight Group B contest and now face a must-win clash against Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to keep alive hopes of automatic qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

Uganda had started the tournament strongly with a 3-0 victory over DR Congo, but they were frustrated by a determined Cameroon side that badly needed a response after losing their opening game.

The only goal of the match came through Abdoulraman Soudeisse, who punished a defensive lapse to hand the young Indomitable Lions all three points.

Kingston said the dream of playing at the World Cup remains alive, but stressed that full attention is now on the final group game.

“For the players, it would provide a valuable opportunity to compete on the world stage and gain important experience,” Kingston said.

“For Ugandan football, it would show that youth development structures are progressing in the right direction. But for now, our focus remains on the next match against Ivory Coast.”

Cameroon started the game with greater urgency, pressing high and forcing Uganda into mistakes. The Cubs stayed organised defensively and tried to attack on the counterattack, but clear scoring chances were limited.

“As a coach, I believe in controlling matches through possession because when you manage the ball well, you improve your chances of controlling the game and achieving positive results,” Kingston explained.

Uganda made changes in the second half, bringing on Simon Ngobi, Ibrahim Fahad and Brian Olwa in search of an equaliser, but Cameroon defended strongly to protect their lead.

The match was also physical, with several bookings issued, including one for Uganda’s Kenneth Eze.

The defeat leaves Group B wide open heading into the final round of matches.

Côte d’Ivoire have already qualified for both the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup after beating DR Congo 1-0 thanks to Harafat Diabate’s late winner.

The Ivorians top the group with six points, while debutants DR Congo are bottom without a point.

Uganda and Cameroon are both tied on three points, but the Cubs remain second because of a superior goal difference. Uganda have scored three goals and conceded one, while Cameroon have scored once and conceded twice.

For Uganda, victory against Côte d’Ivoire would guarantee a place in the quarter-finals and automatic qualification for the World Cup.

A draw would leave the Cubs depending on the result between Cameroon and DR Congo. Uganda would hope DR Congo can avoid defeat to Cameroon to improve their chances of finishing in the top two.

If the Cubs lose against Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon defeat DR Congo, Uganda would finish third in the group and drop into the play-offs for the remaining World Cup qualification places.

Africa will have 10 representatives at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

The eight teams that reach the quarter-finals automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the four third-placed teams from the groups will contest additional play-off matches for the final two slots.