Uganda need positive result against Ivorians to keep World Cup dream alive

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations

Tuesday

Group B

Uganda v Ivory Coast 7pm

DR Congo v Cameroon 10pm

Group B Standings

Côte d’Ivoire 6 points
Uganda 3 points
Cameroon 3 points
DR Congo 0 points

Uganda’s U-17 national team face a huge test on Tuesday evening when they take on already-qualified Côte d’Ivoire in a decisive Group B match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Cubs remain on three points heading into the fixture, knowing that only a positive result will keep their hopes of automatic qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 alive. A defeat could force them into the playoff route.

Uganda sit second in Group B, level on points with Cameroon but ahead on goal difference after scoring three goals and conceding once.

Uganda started their campaign strongly with a 3-0 win over DR Congo, but their momentum was slowed by a narrow 1-0 loss to Cameroon in a tight contest on Saturday. That result has left Group B wide open, with everything still to play for in the final round of group matches.

Côte d’Ivoire, however, have already booked their place in both the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Ivorians have been impressive, opening with a 2-0 win over Cameroon before sealing qualification with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo, thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Harafat Diabate. They now top the group on six points and have not conceded a single goal in the tournament so far.

Coach Laryea Kingston’s side must find a way past a strong and disciplined Ivorian side that has shown defensive strength.

Uganda midfielder Owen Mukisa, who shone in the opening win over DR Congo with a goal, an assist, and a Man of the Match award, says the team believes in itself.

“Before coming to Morocco, we already believed in ourselves and had a clear goal of getting out of the group stage and qualifying for the World Cup,” Mukisa said.

He also praised the coaching staff for building confidence in the squad.

“Coach Kingston has had a very big impact on us. He always motivates the players and gives us confidence. He is positive in the way he speaks to us, and he also corrects us when we make mistakes,” he added.

The captain stressed that teamwork remains the key focus for the Cubs.

“We always remind ourselves that the team comes first. Our coaches have given us principles and rules that help us stay focused. We are concentrating on winning matches and achieving our goals together as a team,” he said.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s clash, Mukisa admitted the importance of the moment.

“The next match is very important for us because another win can move us to the knockout stage and World Cup qualification. We need to stay focused, work hard in training, and keep the same team spirit and discipline we showed in the first game,” he concluded.

Group B remains finely balanced. Uganda and Cameroon are both on three points, while DR Congo are bottom with no points.

For Uganda, the calculations are simple. A win against Côte d’Ivoire guarantees a quarter-final place and direct qualification to the World Cup. A draw would leave them depending on Cameroon’s result against DR Congo, while a defeat combined with a Cameroon win would push Uganda into third place and the playoff route.

CECAFA teams have also made an impact. Tanzania have already secured qualification after back-to-back wins in Group C, while Ethiopia will look to recover after a narrow defeat to Morocco in Group A.

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.