Uganda Cubs set up CECAFA final date with Somalia

Uganda Cubs coach Kingston Laryea believes his team’s improved performance against Ethiopia showed their ability to learn from earlier mistakes after a 4-0 semifinal victory secured qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Cubs booked their place in the continental finals after defeating Ethiopia at the Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda on Saturday, earning Uganda a third consecutive appearance at the tournament.

This is also a route to the World Cup, where the quarterfinalists represent Africa at the global stage.

“We studied our first game against Ethiopia, corrected our mistakes and asked the players to start strongly. They followed the plan and delivered a good performance,” H e said

The victory was a major improvement on Uganda’s 1-1 group-stage draw against Ethiopia. This time, Laryea’s side scored four goals before half-time and kept a clean sheet.

“The early goals gave us confidence and put Ethiopia under pressure, allowing us to control the game and create more chances.”

Defender Ukasha Jemba opened the scoring in the second minute with a powerful shot from outside the box that goalkeeper Biniyam Adisu Bancha failed to stop.

Five minutes later, Arnold Kayemba doubled Uganda’s lead with his fourth goal of the tournament, putting Ethiopia under immediate pressure.

Yusuf Ssenyonga then scored twice before half-time to complete the 4-0 victory. The early goals disrupted Ethiopia’s efforts to organise their midfield and defence, while Uganda took advantage of the space to create more chances.

Ethiopia nearly pulled one back in the 41st minute when Akrem Abduselam Jemal threatened a goal, but Uganda goalkeeper David Ssegirinya punched his effort out for a corner.

After the break, Ethiopia introduced Jonathan Addis Mezgebe, Nurhasen Wujra Negethzi and Zemichael Minyahel Niguse in an attempt to change the game. However, Uganda maintained their defensive discipline to protect their lead.

The result took Uganda’s tally to 13 goals in three matches, following their opening 8-0 victory over Burundi and the 1-1 draw against Ethiopia.

The Cubs will now face Somalia in the CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers final after the Young Ocean Stars eliminated hosts Rwanda 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

“Somalia will be a tough opponent, but we shall prepare well, stay focused and fight for the trophy after securing our AFCON qualification.”

Somalia finished top of Group C with four points. They drew 1-1 with Tanzania before beating Kenya 2-0. Somalia progressed ahead of Tanzania after the teams finished level on points, goal difference and goals scored, with a competitive committee coin toss separating them.

The final will decide the regional champion, with both teams already assured of places at the 2027 AFCON finals.

Uganda will be chasing their fifth CECAFA U-17 title, having won the competition in 2009, 2018, 2020 and 2024. The Cubs beat Somalia 4-1 in the 2024 semifinals, but Somalia won a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in 2022 and defeated Uganda 1-0 in the 2018 semifinals.

Semi-finals

Uganda 4 Ethiopia 0

Somalia 1 Rwanda 1

(Somalia beat Rwanda 5-4 on penalties)

Monday

Third-place play-off

Ethiopia v Rwanda 1:30pm

Final

Uganda v Somalia 4:30pm