Uganda’s U-17 national football team, the Uganda Cubs, has officially booked its ticket to the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a commanding performance at the CECAFA U-17 Championships in Ethiopia.
Uganda qualified alongside Tanzania’s Junior Taifa Stars, with both nations set to represent CECAFA at the continental showpiece.
The qualification was sealed on Sunday after both teams won their semi-final clashes.
Tanzania struck first in the opening semi-final, defeating Kenya 3-1 at the Abebe Bikila Stadium. Nhingo Juma Luzelenga headed home the opener in the 19th minute, Luqman Ally Mbalasalu doubled the lead before halftime, Armstrong Omondi gave Kenya hope late in the 84th minute, but Soann Shabani sealed the win in stoppage time.
Uganda Cubs followed with a clean 3-0 victory over hosts Ethiopia. Second-half brilliance from Lorian Lwesibawa, who bagged a brace, and Thomas Ogema powered the team into the final and secured their AFCON slot.
The CECAFA U-17 final between Uganda Cubs and Tanzania’s Junior Taifa Stars is set for Tuesday, 2nd December at 3:30 pm at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
Meanwhile, the bronze match between Kenya and Ethiopia will determine the third CECAFA representative at the AFCON U-17 finals.
The 2026 AFCON U-17 tournament will be held in Morocco, with the top ten nations earning spots at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Uganda Cubs now march on, dreaming big and aiming higher.