U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers: Cubs Stun Djibouti, Storm Semifinals

The Uganda U-17 national team, the Cubs, booked their spot in the semifinals of the TotalEnergies Men’s U-17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers after a resounding 6–0 victory over Djibouti in their final Group B match.

The defending champions topped the group with nine points from four games, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two.

Super-sub Arnold Kayemba netted twice in the second half, while Thomas Ogema, Jemba Ukasha, Brian Olwa, and Ismail Fahad each added a goal to secure Uganda’s third win of the tournament. Fahad dedicated his goal to a departed relative named Faith, while Captain Owen Mukisa dedicated the victory to teammate Michael Lwanga, who is currently unwell.

The Cubs had already qualified for the semifinals before kick-off, courtesy of Sudan’s earlier win over Burundi. That result placed Sudan level with Uganda on six points, but their 12-goal difference posed no threat to Uganda’s commanding +12.

Uganda will now face Ethiopia in the semifinals after the hosts edged Kenya 1–0 to top Group A with ten points. The other semifinal will feature Tanzania vs. Kenya, with both matches scheduled for 30 November 2025 at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

Head coach Laryea Kingston confirmed that preparations for Ethiopia begin immediately, while maintaining respect for all opponents in the competition. Reflecting on the Djibouti match, Kingston noted it was “one of those games where you see your team not starting very well,” praising Djibouti for trying to frustrate Uganda’s rhythm.

He explained that Uganda’s plan was to pin Djibouti in their own half but admitted the team needed to “break them early”, with the first half offering limited chances. “With patience, we got the opportunity to start breaking them,” he said, though he also emphasised that the game provides valuable lessons: players must “approach every game the same way.”

Kingston highlighted the role of thorough analysis in their preparations, revealing, “I work with videos a lot,” and that he has studied all potential opponents, including Ethiopia. The technical team, he said, already knows where Uganda can be most effective.

Looking ahead to the semifinal, Kingston predicted “an interesting game” against the hosts and said he is expecting a vibrant atmosphere with a full stadium.