Uganda Cubs qualify for 2026 AFCON U-17 after beating Ethiopia 3–0
The Cubs defeated hosts Ethiopia 3–0 in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers semifinal on Sunday 30th at the Abebe Bikila Stadium to secure their ticket.
File photo
CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers semi final
Sunday 30th
Uganda 3 Ethiopia 0
Tanzania 3 Kenya 1
CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers Final
Tuesday, 2nd December
Uganda v Tanzania– 3:30 pm
Abebe Bikila Stadium
Uganda will once again appear at Africa’s biggest youth football stage after the Uganda Cubs qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
The Cubs defeated hosts Ethiopia 3–0 in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers semifinal on Sunday 30th at the Abebe Bikila Stadium to secure their ticket.
Head coach Laryea Kingston said he was happy with his team for achieving their first target.
“I am happy that our first mission, which was to qualify for the AFCON U-17, has been achieved. Now our next mission will be to win the trophy,” he said.
“Winning is important and qualification is important, but the main focus for us is to see our boys developing well and doing the right things on the field,” he added.
All three Uganda goals came in the second half. Lorian Lwesibawa opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a sharp finish after sustained pressure on the Ethiopian defence. Two minutes later, Thomas Ogema made it 2–0 with a composed strike. Lwesibawa later completed his brace in the 78th minute with a curling free kick that sealed the victory.
Kingston has been shaping a promising team built around key players including Captain Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy), Thomas Ogema (KCCA), Travor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio), and Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC).
Earlier in the day, Tanzania became the first CECAFA nation to qualify for the tournament after beating Kenya 3–1 in the opening semifinal.
Tanzania survived early danger when goalkeeper Haji Ally Abdallah saved a penalty taken by Saidi Makangila after fouling Derrick Muchiti Obote. Tanzania then went ahead through Nhingo Juma in the 19th minute and Luqman Ally in the 30th.
Kenya pulled one back in the 84th minute through Armstrong Omondi, but substitute Soann Shabani scored a late third for Tanzania in added time.
Semifinal winners automatically qualifying for AFCON 2026, Uganda now joins Tanzania among the three CECAFA representatives. The bronze-medal winner will claim the final slot for the region.
Uganda will face Tanzania in the final on Tuesday, 2nd at 3:30 pm at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
The match is a repeat of the group-stage game that Tanzania won 2–1. It is also a repeat of last year’s final, which Uganda won 2–1 at Nakivubo Stadium with goals from Arafat Nkoola and James Bogere.
Uganda are the defending CECAFA U17 champions and will be trying to keep their title.