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.
Credit: FUFA
