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.
