Uganda Cubs Qualify for 2026 U-17 AFCON After Convincing 3–0 Victory Over Ethiopia
The victory secures Uganda’s slot as one of CECAFA’s three representatives at the continental showpiece, joining Tanzania, who earlier defeated Kenya 3–1 in the first semifinal.
The Uganda U-17 national team, the Cubs, have booked their place at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 following an outstanding 3–0 win over hosts Ethiopia on Sunday in the semifinals of the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers held at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
The victory secures Uganda’s slot as one of CECAFA’s three representatives at the continental showpiece, joining Tanzania, who earlier defeated Kenya 3–1 in the first semifinal.
Uganda delivered a disciplined, well-structured, and progressive performance, growing in confidence as the match wore on. After a competitive first half, the Cubs returned from the break with renewed intensity and purpose.
The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when Lorian Lwesibawa finished off a sustained spell of attacking pressure, drilling home the opener to ignite celebrations from the traveling supporters.
Barely two minutes later, Uganda doubled their advantage. Thomas Ogema showed composure inside the box, slotting in the second goal to put the Cubs firmly in control and silence the home crowd.
The young Cranes continued to dominate possession, dictate tempo, and create chances with admirable maturity. Their persistence paid off again in the 78th minute, when Lwesibawa curled in a superb free kick to complete his brace. His well-taken set piece sailed beyond Ethiopia’s defensive wall and past the goalkeeper, sealing Uganda’s emphatic win.
While the forwards took their chances with clinical precision, the Cubs’ defence was equally impressive. Uganda’s backline remained well organized throughout the contest, restricting Ethiopia’s attacks and ensuring the hosts found little joy in the final third.
This defensive discipline, combined with sharp transition play, formed the backbone of Uganda’s qualification campaign.
Earlier in the day, Tanzania became the first CECAFA nation to book an AFCON berth after overcoming Kenya 3–1. With both finalists securing automatic qualification, Uganda’s semifinal win guaranteed their ticket even before the tournament’s closing stages.
The victory now sets up a mouth-watering Uganda vs Tanzania final, scheduled for Tuesday, 2nd December at 3:30 pm, also at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
As reigning CECAFA champions, the Uganda Cubs will step into the final with the clear objective of defending their title and concluding their qualification campaign in style. The final also provides a valuable test for the team ahead of the 2026 U-17 AFCON, where Uganda will aim to make a strong statement on the continental stage.
Uganda’s commanding performance against Ethiopia not only earned them a place at the prestigious youth competition but also showcased the growing strength and depth of the country’s football development structures. With confidence high and momentum on their side, the Cubs now turn their focus to the regional final—one more opportunity to reaffirm their dominance in East and Central Africa.
Starting XI
