The Uganda U-17 national team, the Cubs, roared into the semifinals of the TotalEnergies Men’s U-17 CECAFA Qualifiers after dismantling Djibouti 6-0 in their final Group B outing, a result that underlined their status as firm contenders for a return to the AFCON stage.
Uganda, the defending champions, wrapped up the group phase with nine points from four matches, scoring freely with a remarkable tally of 20 goals and conceding just twice.
The match kick-off is imminent ⌛️
🔜 Uganda Cubs vs Djibouti U-17
7PM#UGADJI | #U17AFCONCQ pic.twitter.com/qJLVjETWuf— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 26, 2025
Their latest victory was sparked by second-half substitute Arnold Kayemba, who stepped off the bench to net a brace. Thomas Ogema, Jemba Ukasha, Brian Olwa, and Ismail Fahad each got in on the scoring act to complete a polished team display.
There were emotional moments too. Fahad dedicated his goal to a departed relative named Faith, while captain Owen Mukisa offered the triumph to teammate Michael Lwanga, who is currently unwell.
Interestingly, the Cubs’ semifinal ticket had already been validated before they kicked a ball, thanks to Sudan’s earlier win over Burundi. That result brought Sudan level on six points, but their bruising goal difference of –12 left them far from threatening Uganda’s +12 advantage.
The semi-final is calling ✍️
Full-Time! Uganda Cubs 6-0 Djibouti U-17#U17AFCONCQ pic.twitter.com/e5IIUNuXIw
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 26, 2025
Next up for the Cubs is a high-stakes showdown with hosts Ethiopia, who clinched top spot in Group A after edging Kenya 1-0 to finish with ten points. The second semifinal will feature Tanzania against Kenya. Both matches are set for 30 November 2025 at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
Head coach Laryea Kingston wasted no time outlining the mission ahead. Preparation for Ethiopia, he said, “begins immediately,” while maintaining his respect for every side still in the tournament.
Reflecting on the Djibouti match, Kingston admitted that Uganda took time to settle.
“It is one of those games where you see your team not starting very well,” he noted, adding that Djibouti “tried to frustrate us.”
The plan, he explained, was to trap Djibouti deep in their own half. But the Cubs struggled to create early openings.
“We need to break them early,” he said, describing the first half as one that offered limited clear chances. Patience, though, eventually paid off. “With patience we got the opportunity to start breaking them,” Kingston said, though he expressed disappointment with the slow start.
He emphasized that such matches serve as valuable lessons, reminding the young players that “they have to approach every game the same way.” Kingston also underscored the role of meticulous analysis in his preparation, saying, “I work with videos a lot,” and revealing that he has already studied Ethiopia and all other potential opponents in detail.
📷 The Uganda Cubs contingent has arrived in Addis Ababa ahead of the CECAFA U17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers semifinal against hosts Ethiopia on Sunday.#U17AFCONCQ pic.twitter.com/ZnJvldwmpi
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 27, 2025
With the semifinal looming, the coach believes the Cubs know exactly where they can impose themselves. He expects a charged atmosphere in Addis Ababa, predicting “an interesting game” against the hosts and saying he is eager for the challenge of a “full house.”
