The Uganda Cubs were defeated 3–2 by Tanzania U-17 in the U-17 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers final played on Tuesday afternoon at the Abebe Bikila Stadium. Despite the loss, the Cubs achieved their primary objective by securing qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 through their place in the final.
Tanzania started the match strongly and took control early, scoring all three of their goals during the first half. Uganda responded with determination, equalising in the thirteenth minute through Thomas Ogema, who finished calmly after pressing hard a Tanzania defender who had recieved a poor pass from his goalkeeper a few meters off the penalty area, dribbled off another defender and the goalkeeper too before slot home the ball at the far side of goal. The goal lifted the Cubs’ confidence, and they enjoyed a positive spell, creating opportunities before Tanzania restored their lead and added a third before the interval.
Uganda continued to push for a comeback in the second half, maintaining pressure in attacking areas and creating several openings. Their persistence was rewarded in the sixth minute of added time when Brian Olwa struck a powerful finish to reduce the deficit to 3–2. Despite this late spark, the Cubs were unable to find an equaliser, with Tanzania holding on to secure the victory.
The Cubs had earned their place in the final following a commanding 3–0 victory over hosts Ethiopia in the semifinal. Lorian Lwesibawa scored twice, including a well-struck free-kick in the seventy-eighth minute, while Thomas Ogema added the other goal. That win not only confirmed Uganda’s qualification for next year’s U-17 AFCON but also reinforced the team’s strong record at this level.
Although the Uganda Cubs’ title defence ended in the final, the team concluded the tournament with qualification secured and valuable experience gained ahead of the continental finals. Preparations will now shift towards building a competitive squad for the U-17 AFCON as they aim to make a strong impression on the continental stage.
The Uganda Cubs sealed qualification to the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON 2026 and progressed to the final of the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers after defeating Ethiopia 3–0 on Sunday.
Head Coach Laryea Kingston addressed the media after the match, discussing the result, the conditions, his players’ development and the team’s evolving style of play.
Read every word below.
On the importance of the win and the strength of CECAFA opponents
First of all, I think this is a very competitive tournament. I have said before that I respect everything within this competition. Some teams are stronger than others, and I would mention two that have impressed me the most, which are Ethiopia and Tanzania. For me, it is fair to say that all three countries deserve to represent CECAFA because they are doing the right things in their development. Ethiopia are doing the right thing, Tanzania are doing amazing work, and we are progressing well as a group.
On why the team struggled to play their usual style
I believe in keeping the ball. I do not believe in long balls unless they serve a clear purpose. I always want my team to play. However, the pitch did not help us. The ball was bouncing throughout the game and that made it difficult to execute what we planned. Dira Dawa had an amazing pitch and an amazing surface, and if we want to educate young players and prepare them to compete in Europe or the World Cup, we must give them good facilities. I told my backroom staff before the game that moving the ball would be difficult, and it showed.
On Muhoozi’s performance and his development
Muhoozi is an adorable kid. I remember very well when the players were first presented for selection. He came in as an attacking player, but based on the way I want the team to play, I needed someone who can take care of the ball in tight spaces and make things happen. Out of the sixty-six players I assessed, no one could do that role better than him. When I dropped him to the number six position there were critics, but every coach is different. A player Guardiola will sign may not be one Mourinho will sign. For me, my number six must be excellent on the ball, and he fits that description. He is smart, he takes care of the ball and he has a very good future.
On building the team’s playing identity
We have a long way to go and we have a detailed style of playbook that covers many phases. With the limited time we have, I must prioritise short-term basics. That means making sure the players understand a few key concepts in the build-up, then progressing gradually into the attacking phases. Defensively we reverse the process and simplify everything. I give the credit to the players because not every young player learns quickly, but these boys surprised me. I kept telling my backroom staff how impressed I was.
On adapting within a short preparation period
Five days without the team scared me. I was not sure if they would understand the ideas I was bringing. We need time to build a clear style, and I was concerned whether they would grasp the new concepts within such a short period. But from the first whistle of the competition they proved that they are intelligent, willing to learn and can be well coached. That has been the most encouraging part of this journey so far.
The Uganda Cubs have secured qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 after defeating hosts Ethiopia 3–0 in the semifinal of the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers on Sunday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium. The result confirms Uganda’s place among the three regional representatives at the continental tournament.
Uganda produced a disciplined and progressive performance, with all three goals arriving in the second half. Lorian Lwesibawa opened the scoring in the fifty second minute with a sharp finish after sustained attacking pressure. Two minutes later Thomas Ogema doubled the lead with a composed effort that strengthened Uganda’s control of the match.
The Cubs continued to dominate proceedings and sealed the victory in the seventy eighth minute. Lwesibawa struck again with a well taken free kick. His curling effort evaded the defenders and flew into the net to complete a deserved brace and confirm Uganda’s dominance.
Uganda’s defensive organisation remained firm throughout the contest and limited Ethiopia’s opportunities in the final third.
Earlier in the day Tanzania became the first CECAFA nation to qualify for the U-17 AFCON after defeating Kenya 3–1 in the opening semifinal. With both finalists earning automatic qualification alongside the bronze medallist Uganda’s victory placed them among the qualified teams before the final.
The result sets up a Uganda versus Tanzania final which will be played on Tuesday 2nd December at 3.30 pm at the Abebe Bikila Stadium. As defending champions Uganda will seek to retain the title and close the campaign in the strongest possible fashion.
Uganda U-17 captain Owen Mukisa and head coach Laryea Kingston have expressed confidence and focus as the Cubs prepare for today’s CECAFA U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers semifinal against hosts Ethiopia at 3:00PM.
The road to the final runs through today. Uganda Cubs locked in.
Mukisa reaffirmed the team’s determination to reach the final and continue Uganda’s strong record at this level. He described the moment as a privilege for the players and thanked the supporters for their encouragement.
Among his remarks after training, Mukisa said ‘It is a great honour that we managed to reach the semifinals and I want to thank the Almighty.’ He added that despite facing the hosts, the team remains confident, saying ‘The players are in good condition and I promise you that we are going to win them.’
Mukisa emphasised the team’s target of securing qualification for the AFCON finals. He said ‘It is our target as a country to reach the finals because we want to qualify for the AFCON. That is our target as the players.’ He also acknowledged the impact of the fans, noting ‘It is a privilege to see our fellow Ugandans supporting us because that helps us double our effort.’
He concluded with a strong pledge of belief in the team’s ability to defend their title, stating ‘As we did last year, we are going to defend the triple. We are here in Ethiopia. We are going to do it again.’
Head coach Laryea Kingston praised the quality of the competition and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to its playing philosophy. He applauded the energy and character within his squad, highlighting their readiness for the challenge.
Kingston said ‘The qualification is the main priority for us.’ He expressed confidence in the team after their final training session, noting ‘Looking at my team, the energy they are bringing on board is impressive. If they put in 50% of what they have done so far, I think we are going to carry the game.’
He reiterated Uganda’s attacking identity, stating ‘Our style is to attack the opponent, dominate play, and tomorrow is not going to be any different.’ Kingston also stressed the developmental aspect of the programme, saying ‘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.’
Despite Ethiopia’s home support, Kingston remained unfazed and concluded that once the match starts, ‘It is only eleven on the pitch.’
The Cubs enter today’s semifinal with belief, momentum and a clear mission: to qualify for the AFCON finals and extend Uganda’s proud record in the region.
The Uganda national U17 team, the Cubs, advanced to the semifinals of the TotalEnergies Men’s U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers after a commanding 6–0 victory over Djibouti in their final Group B match. The defending champions finished the group stage on nine points from four matches and scored twenty goals while conceding only two.
Second-half substitute Arnold Kayemba struck twice, while Thomas Ogema, Jemba Ukasha, Brian Olwa and Ismail Fahad added a goal each to seal Uganda’s third win of the campaign. Fahad dedicated his goal to a departed relative named Faith while team captain Owen Mukisa dedicated the win to teammate Michael Lwanga who is currently unwell.
The Cubs had already secured progression before kick-off after Sudan defeated Burundi in the earlier fixture. That result brought Sudan level with Uganda on six points but their goal difference of negative twelve meant that the Cubs’ positive twelve remained unchallenged.
Uganda will now face Ethiopia in the semifinals after the hosts beat Kenya 1–0 to top Group A with ten points. Tanzania will play Kenya in the other semifinal. Both matches will take place on 30 November 2025 at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
Cubs head coach Laryea Kingston confirmed that preparations for the Ethiopia challenge begin immediately and reaffirmed his respect for all teams in the competition.
Kingston reflected on the performance and said ‘it is one of those games where you see your team not starting very well’ and noted that Djibouti ‘tried to frustrate us’. He said the game plan required Uganda to keep Djibouti in their own half but added that ‘we need to break them early’ and that the first half presented few clear openings.
He said ‘with patience we got the opportunity to start breaking them’ although he expressed disappointment with the early approach. He added that this match offers lessons for the players who ‘have to approach every game the same way’.
Kingston also highlighted the importance of detailed analysis. He said ‘I work with videos a lot’ and explained that he has studied all potential opponents including Ethiopia. He said the technical team will now ‘start preparation towards Ethiopia’ and that they already know the areas in which Uganda can be effective.
He concluded by acknowledging the atmosphere expected in the semifinal. He said it will be ‘an interesting game’ against the hosts and added that he is looking forward to a full house.
The national U17 men’s team head coach Laryea Kingston has called for full concentration as the Uganda Cubs prepare for their final group match at the TotalEnergies AFCON U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers in Ethiopia.
Kingston stressed that the last group fixture carries significant weight despite facing a Djibouti side that has struggled in the competition. He said the team must approach the match with discipline and seriousness.
The head coach noted that the tournament remains a key development stage for the players and highlighted the importance of giving game time to as many members of the squad as possible. He said the team had identified strengths and areas that require improvement after three matches and confirmed that the final training session focused on addressing those gaps.
Kingston said ‘we really need at least a point in our last game to secure our semi-final qualification’ and added that ‘we don’t have to underrate any opponent’. He further explained that the group stage must be completed before any thought can turn to the semi-final. He said ‘we have a game coming up before we even think about the semi-final’ and stressed that the priority is securing progression.
He also expressed confidence in the strength of the Cubs squad while acknowledging the quality of potential opponents from the other group. He said ‘we are one of the strongest teams in the competition’ and emphasised readiness to adapt their approach depending on who they face next.
Cubs winger Brian Olwa expressed his pride at representing the national team for the first time. He said ‘I am very happy to be on the national team’ and commended the coaching staff and his teammates. He added that the group is well prepared and that their ambition is clear. He said ‘our target is to come to this tournament, take the trophy and qualify for the AFCON’.
Across the world, many young athletes struggle to discover and develop their God given gifts because of misconceptions that sports are a distraction or a form of time wasting. In Uganda, this attitude has for many years slowed talent identification and development, especially where parents restrict children to classroom work alone.
Yet, football has become a proven driver of economic and social progress in countries that have embraced youth development. Uganda continues to make steady steps in this direction, supported by national policy guidance. The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni has consistently encouraged parents to allow young people to explore their abilities beyond the classroom. This message aligns with the broader national effort to uplift sports, including football.
FUFA has also played a central role in strengthening this positive culture of talent development. In 2021, there was public debate when teenage players on the national U17 team travelled for the AFCON finals in Rabat. Although the tournament was later cancelled due to Covid-19, the pathway established for these young players has since proved valuable. Their continued career progress is now evident for all to see, showing that investment in talent is never wasted.
Today, Uganda recently had about 48 young boys on national duty at both the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar and the Total Energies AFCON U17 CECAFA qualifiers in Ethiopia. Their performances have raised the national flag, inspired communities and opened doors for future opportunities. Understandably, some Ugandans have asked about balancing these achievements with the academic calendar. However, parents of the players have now come forward to encourage other families to support their children holistically in both academics and sport.
Moses Sserunyigo did not get the chance to pursue his own football dream because opportunities were limited during his childhood. He now fully supports his son Shakur Ngobi, who is in Ethiopia with the national U17 team. Sserunyigo follows Ngobi’s progress closely at school and on the pitch to ensure he grows academically and through his talent.
‘I did not get a chance of realising my dream for the sport I loved and when I got Ngobi who showed the talent and love, I had to make sure that he goes under the development. Parents should know that our children should be supported to grow into what they are capable of. Support them in both education and sports such that if one fails, the other lifts them,’ Sserunyigo says.
Ngobi is already a dependable member of coach Layrea Kingston’s squad, starting at right full back. He is a product of Elgon Doves Sports Academy owned by Kikwalo Ssemakula, father to Uganda’s teenage star Travis Mutyaba. He studies at Greenlight Islamic Nansana where, according to his father, his talent has ensured consistent support for his education.
Similarly, Irene Asiimwe is proud of her son Abdulshakur Baba, who is in Ethiopia for the CECAFA U17 AFCON qualifiers. A former netballer who never had the chance to progress due to limited opportunities in her time, she vowed never to restrict her children if they showed special gifts.
According to Asiimwe, Baba displayed talent from the age of four. She supported him through local kids’ tournaments before he was spotted by Lwanga while playing for Kamuli COU Primary School. He later joined Devine Primary School, then Janan and Buddo SS where he now studies on a bursary because of his talent.
‘It is not good for us parents to limit our children because what we might demand them to become might not be God’s plan for them. It is only good to support them in all aspects and guide them. I take much time on him (Baba) because I don’t want him to miss the way because even current footballers are educated. He has not become anyone yet in football, but I have already benefited because I do not hustle for his school dues,’ she says.
Simon Kiyega, father to Australian-born Ugandan midfielder Timothy Kiyega, who made Kingston’s provisional 25, also believes talent development is a process that requires parental support combined with the child’s determination and discipline.
The collective experiences of these parents highlight a steadily growing appreciation for sports in Uganda. Parents are encouraged to observe their children, listen to them and guide them rather than impose predetermined career paths. Children are not expected to choose a profession at age five, but they should be allowed to explore possibilities safely, with family support and opportunities provided at an early age.
FUFA continues to champion this positive approach, ensuring that young players develop both academically and through their sporting gifts, so that they grow into well-rounded citizens with bright futures.
Discipline is a prerequisite for every athlete in their journey to stardom across all sports disciplines. Every sport has a set of guiding rules and regulations on and off the pitch or court which emphasise this essential requirement.
Although these regulations demand strict observance because any breach attracts punishment, some athletes choose to elevate them into personal virtues through self-discipline. According to the official guidelines, football players are required to keep their jerseys tucked into their shorts during a match. While many modern professionals often appear with their shirts untucked, the official laws still promote a tidy appearance which includes tucked shirts and pulled-up socks.
Many players ignore this and leave their shirts hanging even when referees insist on proper attire. However, Joseph Langol has distinguished himself by embracing the rules without being reminded. He has adopted personal neatness as a football virtue by consistently tucking in his jersey and training shirts.
Langol, a member of the Uganda Cubs team competing at the Total Energies men’s U17 CECAFA region qualifiers in Ethiopia, has been the tidiest among Kingston’s players during both training sessions and match days. The 16-year-old maintains this neat appearance at all times and even tucks in his training bib, which reveals more about his personal standards.
Many people learn to respect rules only after facing punishment, especially during early growth and development. For Langol, however, neatness has come as a self-taught discipline. “It came to my mind that I should always appear different from others while on the field of play both by what I do and how I dress like. So it came to me like that, not that there is a punishment I remember having gone through to learn tucking in,” Langol says.
In his home village of Patango, he is nicknamed Kakta, meaning Doctor, because of his constant tidiness and general discipline. This reflects how his community views his character.
A Senior One student at Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA), Langol looks up to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, whom he says inspire his premium on neatness.
Who is Joseph Langol?
Born on 01 November 2009 to Lillian Akello and Raymond Okot, Langol attended Paohiner Primary School and Paohiner Soccer Academy in Patango Town Council, both owned by his father, Okot.
He began playing football at the age of four during casual community games before joining the academy in 2018. He progressed through the ranks alongside childhood friends Emmanuel Ocem and John Baptist Opio.
His first major competition came in 2019 when he was selected for the Northern Uganda team at the inaugural FUFA Odilo Championship held at FUFA Technical Centre Njeru. Playing as a holding midfielder, Langol scored six goals and won the tournament’s golden boot.
In 2021 he played for Paohiner Soccer Academy at the CHIPKZI East Africa Kids Tournament in Arusha, Tanzania, where he captained the U13 side as a defensive midfielder. Although he performed well, it was Opio who was selected for the East Africa team that travelled to Real Madrid for a youth tournament.
In 2022 he returned to Arusha for the FEASSA Games with Paohiner Primary School, helping the team reach the semi-finals. The calm central defender and holding midfielder later joined Quality High School before transferring to JIPRA, where he believes he will continue growing towards his career aspirations.
National team appearances and career path
Langol has risen steadily through national structures. He was part of the Uganda U15 team that won silver at the 2023 CECAFA men’s U15 Championship hosted at FUFA Technical Centre Njeru, losing 4-3 on penalties to Zanzibar in the final.
He later joined Brian Ssenyondo’s U17 Uganda Cubs team that qualified for the FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar, where the team made history by reaching the round of 16. Langol featured in the 2-1 loss to Zambia in Morocco but missed out on further qualification due to an ankle injury.
With support from his father Omara, Langol recovered in time to earn selection by Layrea Kingston for the ongoing Total Energies AFCON men’s U17 CECAFA region qualifiers in Ethiopia. He now seeks to make his mark once again.
His weakness is slow speed but this is offset by excellent game reading and timely tackling, attributes that consistently elevate his performances.
The historical Uganda U-17 men’s team, The Cubs, arrived in the country today aboard Qatar Airways and were received by the FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha and Honorary FUFA Executive Committee Member Chris Kalibala, football family together with joyous fans and members of the media.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirms that the historical U17 team ‘Cubs’ will return home today, Friday, 21st November 2025, at 3:30 pm at Entebbe International Airport.
The team made history by representing Uganda at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, marking the country’s first ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
‘We encourage all fans and stakeholders to turn out in large numbers to welcome the team today. The boys have represented the country with great honour, reaching the Round of 16 on their first attempt,’ said FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein.
Hussein added that FUFA will organise a special homecoming ceremony at a later date to honor the team’s achievement, inviting all stakeholders who contributed to their success.
It is every athlete’s dream to wear the national colours and work for their country with pride. Every competitive athlete knows that reaching this level requires patience, hard work and determination, yet unexpected challenges always arise along the way.
The world of sport has seen siblings play alongside each other at club and national level, while others have met as opponents. The story of Uganda Cubs midfielders Musa Ssuna and Henry Muhoozi unfolds in a unique and compelling fashion.
Just like the French brothers Lucas and Theo Hernandez, who contested the left-back position for France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup before Lucas stepped aside due to injury, the Muhoozi–Ssubi contest is a joy to follow.
The pair, currently featuring for the Uganda Cubs at the TotalEnergies AFCON Men’s U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers in Ethiopia, are unbothered by the fact that they compete for the same holding midfield position. This rivalry did not begin with the national team; it has been present at their school side, Amus College School.
While Ssuna embraces the competition with satisfaction, Muhoozi has never viewed it as a battle against anyone. He prefers to keep his head high and focus on his progress without thinking about who stands in his way.
The two calm and gifted midfielders are maternal cousins, though one would hardly identify them as closely related. Their paths to this stage have been different yet equally interesting.
Musa Ssuna
By physical appearance and social personality, Musa Ssuna differs from Muhoozi. Ssuna is more talkative among his age group, while Muhoozi is quiet and interacts slowly, speaking rarely and softly.
Born on 29 January 2011 to Nuul Nabukenya and his late father in Kalungu, Masaka, now Lukaya, Ssuna arrived six months before Muhoozi. He did not begin structured football development early. Like many Ugandan talents, he followed his elder brother Julius Sserunjogi to training in Masaka, where his interest in the game grew.
His passion flourished during his time at Lukaya Education Centre, St Jude and Lyna Infants before he joined Wagwa High School. His mother supported him fully and later moved him to Auerbach Soccer Academy. His transfer from Wagwa to Amus College School last year marked his rapid growth as he chases his dream of professional football.
‘I am feeling blessed. This was my first national team summons and it came as a surprise. I felt very happy and encouraged to keep working hard. I promise I will do my best,’ he said.
He recognises coach Willis Mbabazi (Katooto), who discovered him at Wagwa and initiated his move to Amus College.
Ssuna is the third of four children, coming after Marion Nakalema and Julius Sserunjogi, while the youngest, Judith Muwanguzi, is already following the family path and plays for Wagwa Memorial Primary School.
He admires former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets and SC Villa’s Kenneth Ssemakula. He hopes to play in a top European league and support his family in return.
Henry Muhoozi
Soft-spoken Henry Muhoozi has already established himself as one of coach Layrea Kingston’s trusted midfielders at the AFCON Men’s U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers, though his journey deserves careful tracing.
Born on 12 July 2011 to Faridah Nakanwagi, the younger sister of Ssuna’s mother, and Vincent Kakooza of Lukaya, Muhoozi is the second born of six children.
As a young boy, he did not engage much in football and had not realised his potential until his time at Wagwa Memorial Primary School. Competition there was limited but entertainment was abundant, and he excelled.
It was during this period that Mark Namanya visited the school to identify young talents for Alfa Soccer Academy in Mbarara. With the support of his mother, Muhoozi accepted the offer and moved to Mbarara, where he completed primary school before joining Kinoni High School for Senior One last year.
Like his cousin, he was spotted by Willis Mbabazi after an impressive performance in Senior One at the USSSA Rwampara District Championship.
Muhoozi is grateful for his parents’ unwavering support. ‘I owe them a lot. They have supported me. I have not yet become what I want to be because I still have a long way to go, but I know I will work hard to get there,’ he said.
Though he has no sporting nickname, he has earned one in Dire Dawa: Ng’oro Kanté, for his calmness and game intelligence, which resemble the style of the French midfielder.
He admires Kevin De Bruyne, now at Napoli, and Vipers SC’s Allan Okello. His ambition is to play professional football in a major European league, but he knows that discipline and hard work will determine his path.
Uganda’s U17 National Team will step into their second Group B fixture at the Total Energies U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers on Tuesday with confidence and continuity, as head coach Layrea Kingston opts to keep faith in the exact lineup that dismantled Burundi 4–0 in the tournament opener.
With the stakes rising at Dire Dawa Stadium in Ethiopia, Kingston has resisted the temptation to rotate, instead rewarding the sharpness, structure, and fluidity displayed on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Ashiraf Lukyamuzi once again leads from the back, supported by the familiar defensive combination of Shakur Ngobi and Eze Kombi on the flanks, plus the central pairing of Ibrahim Waita and Enock Mwesigwa, who kept Burundi silent throughout the first game.
In midfield, the impressive Henry Muhoozi anchors the team with poise, while Thomas Ogema and skipper Owen Mukisa provide the forward thrust and creativity that defined Uganda’s dominance in the opener.
Wide midfielders Nicholas Kawooya and Lorian Lwesibawa keep their roles after strong displays, stretching opponents and consistently feeding the attack.
Upfront, Ismail Fahad retains the responsibility of leading the line as he looks to register his first international goal at this level.
Uganda sits second in the group on goal difference behind Tanzania, who defeated Sudan 6–0. A win for Uganda today would set up a mouthwatering group decider against Tanzania on November 21—effectively a battle for top spot.
With the top two teams advancing to the semifinals in Addis Ababa, and three CECAFA slots available for next year’s U17 AFCON in Morocco, every point in Dire Dawa matters.
Kingston’s decision to maintain consistency signals trust and ambition.
Uganda Cubs return to action at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup this afternoon with their sights firmly set on extending their fairytale run when they lock horns with Burkina Faso in the round of 16 at Aspire Zone – Pitch 5 in Qatar.
The all-African showdown promises intensity and grit, with both teams arriving in buoyant form. For Uganda, merely featuring at this stage is historic Qatar 2025 marks their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Yet their performances have defied expectations, capturing global admiration by marching out of the group stage after a famous victory over France and later edging Senegal in the round of 32.
Against Senegal, Abubakali Walusimbi delivered the decisive strike, but it was goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi who produced a heroic display, pulling off crucial saves to protect Uganda’s advantage and send the Cubs into uncharted territory.
Coach Brian Ssenyondo insists the team remains grounded but hungry for more. He admits the pressure is real but exactly the kind they welcome. ‘The pressure is there, but it’s positive and desired. Everyone would love to be in such a position to have pressure of playing at the round of 16,’ Ssenyondo said. ‘Pressure makes us want to work. Senegal gave us a test, and now we face another African side with a similar style. We are motivated but fully aware of the demands ahead.’
Uganda will, however, be without key forward James Bogere, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards. Ssenyondo concedes the loss is significant but believes his squad has enough depth.
‘Every coach would want all his players available, especially the key ones. But these are the rules. We will miss him, but I have players who can come in and do the job. We hope he finds us in the next round.’
He emphasized the need for consistency and character as the Cubs continue their match-by-match approach.
Burkina Faso, on their part, arrive on the back of a massive scalp, having knocked out defending champions Germany thanks to Mohamed Zongo’s early goal and a disciplined defensive stand. Their coach, Oscar Barro, is well aware of the challenge Uganda poses.
‘Uganda making it to the Round of 16 shows their quality. We played them in a friendly, but every team has evolved since then,’ Barro noted.
With confidence surging on both sides, the stage is set for a fierce continental clash—one that could propel Uganda deeper into their historic World Cup journey.
Defending champions Uganda Cubs opened their Group B campaign at the TotalEnergies men’s U17 CECAFA regional qualifiers with a commanding 4–0 victory over Burundi at Dire Dawa Stadium in Ethiopia.
Team captain Owen Mukisa and the impressive Thomas Ogema each scored twice in the first half to give Uganda full control of the contest. The Cubs appeared to be heading for a comfortable rout until Burundi returned for the second half more organised and disciplined, which limited the damage.
The Layrea Kingston coached side did not score after the interval and created only a few clear chances. Ismail Fahad came closest when his rising effort was expertly saved by the Burundi goalkeeper.
Kingston introduced Arnold Kayemba, Ashraf Kyakuwa and Brian Olwa for Thomas Ogema, Nicholas Kawooya and Owen Mukisa, although the changes did not break down the resilient Burundi defence.
‘Before you go into every game, you have to have a game plan and for me I had a plan in the first half where we squeezed them in small areas so they would make mistakes which we executed,’ Kingston said. ‘In the second half the coach on their side did well and I give them credit because they sat back and it became challenging for us. It was a game of two halves and the second half belonged to Burundi.’
Uganda will play Sudan on 18 November, before matches against Tanzania on 21 November and Djibouti on 27 November.
The Uganda U17 Boys’ National Team delivered a performance of courage, structure and commitment to defeat Senegal in the Round of 32 at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar. The victory sends the Cubs into the Round of 16 where they will face Burkina Faso after a spirited and disciplined display that reflected their growing belief on the world stage.
Uganda entered the knockout fixture buoyed by the confidence gained from their historic 1–0 victory against France in their final Group K match. That win, secured through a decisive strike from James Bogere, marked the nation’s first ever triumph at a FIFA World Cup tournament and propelled the Cubs forward in a group where all four teams finished level on four points. France topped the group, followed by Canada, Uganda and Chile on goal difference.
Senegal arrived in the fixture as one of the most formidable sides in the competition. They topped Group C with seven points and were the only African team among ten to finish as group leaders. Their tactical balance and physical presence presented a demanding challenge for Uganda who were required to compete with discipline and bravery.
Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo praised the commitment and resilience shown by his squad. He said: ‘I believe we have enjoyed the game very well, but also competed up to the last minute. I am very happy that the boys put the character, the spirit and the resilience. We dominated the game. Senegal is a tough team, but we fought for everything on the pitch and we deserved to win.’
Ssenyondo highlighted the influence of goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi whose early saves kept Uganda stable during the opening phase. He said: ‘I am proud of my goalkeeper Edrissa. He kept us in the game in those first thirty minutes. When everyone is beaten, you need your keeper to stand big in the goal. The small man today stood big in the goal.’
Waibi reflected on his improved performance and the work behind it. He said: ‘I made some mistakes in previous games but I worked on them with my goalkeeping coach. Those things have helped me and I have helped my team get a win. I feel very good and I am proud of myself. Those saves I made from the first half to the end were not easy and I think it was God’s mercy.’
The Cubs now turn their attention to a crucial Round of 16 encounter against Burkina Faso. With confidence growing and key players rising to the occasion, Uganda continue to write a remarkable story on the world stage.
The national U17 team head coach Layrea Kingston has confirmed Owen Mukisa as captain of the Uganda Cubs for the Total Energies AFCON men’s U17 CECAFA region qualifiers that start today in Ethiopia.
Mukisa, who features for the Vipers SC junior team, has led the squad from the residential camp in Jeru through to the team’s travel and settlement in Ethiopia. His leadership has impressed Kingston and the entire technical team who have described his influence as dependable and consistent.
Kingston also named KCCA FC striker Ismail Fahad and Vipers junior team defender Travor Mubiru as assistant captains.
‘Whenever naming captains on my team, I focus on the ones that have positive influence on the team on and off the pitch, in terms of giving all on the field and holding the team together and accountable off the pitch. And the three have proved to me and the entire team here that they are capable of this. I always pick three of them and the reason is when the team have to make decisions, we should always have majority on that two to one,’ Kingston said.
Uganda begins the regional title defence today with an opening group B fixture against Burundi at 8.00 pm East Africa Time at Dire Dawa Stadium in the eastern city of Dire Dawa.
The Cubs will then face Sudan on Tuesday 18th November 2025 and Tanzania on Friday 21st November 2025 before concluding the group campaign against Djibouti on 27th November 2025.
The Uganda U17 Boys’ National Team, the Cubs, are gearing up for a massive test as they face Senegal in the Round of 32 at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar tomorrow, Saturday 15th November 2025.
Uganda arrive in the knockout stage riding a wave of belief after a historic group-phase campaign.
The Cubs stunned France with a memorable 1–0 victory in their final Group K fixture, the nation’s first-ever win at a FIFA World Cup tournament.
Forward James Bogere delivered the decisive goal on Tuesday, a moment that propelled Uganda into the knockouts after all four teams in the group finished on four points.
France topped the group, followed by Canada, Uganda and Chile based on goal difference.
Their next opponent, Senegal, showed impressive strength in Group C, finishing as leaders with seven points the only African side among ten to top their group.
Known for their tactical order and physical presence, the West Africans present one of the toughest fixtures Uganda could draw at this stage.
As the Cubs intensified preparations, head coach Brian Ssenyondo reflected on the mindset required for such a high-stakes match.
‘It’s a knockout stage,’ Ssenyondo noted. ‘Like we played France, two different games but almost of the same kind of magnitude because against France it was as knockout as well, if you won, you stayed, if you did not win, your home. I believe we know what is at stake, that we need to win to progress, no other chance, and I am certain we shall present ourselves very well and qualify to the next round.’
From within the dressing room, assistant captain Hamuzah Sengooba echoed his coach’s confidence while acknowledging the challenge ahead.
‘Senegal will be tough since they led their group, they won most of their games and did not concede,’ Sengooba said. ‘I think it will be tough but we will have to be tougher, so facing a tough opponent gives you a better understanding of the game where you’re going. Our target was to get out of the group but we now want to achieve more, and winning at such a level is the best feeling.’
The victor between Uganda and Senegal will advance to face either Germany or Burkina Faso in the next round, raising the stakes even higher.
With momentum, improved confidence and leadership on and off the pitch, the Cubs step into Saturday’s encounter knowing the magnitude and opportunity that lies ahead.
Ghanaian tactician Layrea Kingston begins his competitive journey as Uganda U17 (Cubs) head coach on Saturday night when the defending champions face Burundi in a crucial Group B encounter at the 2025 AFCON CECAFA U17 Qualifiers in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
Kingston, who recently signed a two-year contract with FUFA as head coach for all Uganda men’s junior teams (U15, U17, U20), has been shaping his young squad during a rigorous residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
His first real test arrives as the Cubs seek to defend the title they lifted last year on home soil after beating Tanzania 2–1 in the final.
Placed in a competitive Group B containing Uganda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan, and Burundi, the Cubs will be aware that every point counts in a tournament where only the top two teams from each group reach the semi-finals, the stage that determines qualification for the 2026 TotalEnergies AFCON U17.
Kingston: ‘We have no excuse. We are going out there to defend the Uganda flag.’
Speaking ahead of the opener, Kingston underlined both the pressure and pride of leading the reigning champions:
‘We are the defending champions so there is nothing more than we defending the cup. The most important thing is to qualify the team so our game is to approach every game as it comes in front of us but the main aim is for us to qualify to the AFCON Youth Championship and that is our target.’
He acknowledged the difficulty of the assignment but expressed full confidence in his backroom staff and FUFA’s backing:
‘For us it’s a very big challenge, it is not easy to achieve it but we are going to take it a game at a time and where the bar is where we want to go. But the most important thing is us qualifying for AFCON and with the help of the technical team, the management and FUFA who have supported us, I think we have no excuse.’
With determination and character expected from his side, Kingston added:
‘We are going out there to defend the Uganda flag, to enjoy and play our hearts out and bring results to the country.’
A total of ten nations are taking part in the qualifiers scheduled 15th November – 2nd December 2025, hosted across the cities of Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa.
Group A Teams:
Ethiopia (Hosts) Somalia Kenya South Sudan Rwanda
Group B Teams:
Uganda Tanzania Djibouti Sudan Burundi
Opening Matches
Group A – Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa Somalia vs South Sudan – Opening Match Ethiopia vs Rwanda – Second Match
Group B – Dire Dawa Stadium Tanzania (2024 runners-up) vs Sudan – First game of the group Uganda vs Burundi – Second game (8pm EAT)
What is at stake
Top 2 teams per group – Semi-finals Semi-final losers -3rd-place playoff
Finalists + 3rd place team Qualify to the 2026 TotalEnergies AFCON U17 as CECAFA representatives
With Uganda aiming for back-to-back qualification and another continental appearance, Kingston’s young charges know that victory in the opener would set the perfect tone for the campaign.
