Uganda’s title defence at the AFCON U-17 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers couldn’t have started on a stronger note, not just because of the 4-0 scoreline against Burundi, but because it unfolded exactly as their Ghanaian head coach, Kingston Laryea had imagined.
The Cubs tore into their Group B opener at Dire Dawa International Stadium with intent, precision, and purpose. Thomas Ogemba struck early, captain Owen Mukisa followed, and by the time both had finished their braces, the damage was complete.
But for Kingston, this game wasn’t merely about goals, it was about a plan coming to life.
“We went in with a very specific approach,” the Ghanaian tactician explained. “I wanted us to compress play early, keep them trapped, push them into making errors, and the boys executed that beautifully in the first half.”
The Uganda Cubs team in Ethiopia for the CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers 2025 seal the day with a 4-0 win over Burundi U-17.#BDIUGA | #CECAFAU17 pic.twitter.com/ycgF3UPUss
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 15, 2025
Still, he was quick to acknowledge that the contest shifted after the break:
“Credit to Burundi’s coach. They adjusted, sat deeper, and forced us to rethink. It really became a different game. The first half was ours, the second half, I’d say, belonged to them.”
Uganda now turns attention to Sudan on 18 November, with Tanzania and Djibouti awaiting in the final group fixtures.
And while the CECAFA journey is just beginning, it’s part of a wider youth-football wave for Uganda, with another U-17 side already making headlines at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
