Uganda’s U-17 side soared into the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations with a polished and overpowering 3-0 victory against hosts Ethiopia in Sunday’s CECAFA semifinal at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
From kick-off, the Cubs played with assurance, measured in possession, tidy in structure, and unbothered by the lively home crowd. Their patience paid off shortly after the interval when Lorian Lwesibawa broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, pouncing after Uganda had pinned Ethiopia deep in their own half.
Barely two minutes later, Thomas Ogema doubled the cushion with an ice-cold finish, turning Uganda’s steady control into a commanding lead. With Ethiopia chasing shadows, the Cubs dictated the match with maturity well beyond their years.
Lwesibawa later returned to centre stage, bending in a superb free kick in the 78th minute to complete his brace and snuff out any faint Ethiopian hopes. Uganda’s backline, meanwhile, delivered a near-flawless performance, snuffing out danger early, denying space, and limiting the hosts to speculative efforts.
The Uganda Cubs have qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 🇺🇬#U17AFCONCQ pic.twitter.com/xTx0UoGfvh
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 30, 2025
Earlier in the afternoon, Tanzania had claimed the first ticket to AFCON after dispatching Kenya 3-1. With the finalists and third-place winners earning qualification, Uganda’s triumph sealed their continental berth even before the final whistle.
The Cubs now march into Tuesday’s CECAFA final, also at Abebe Bikila Stadium, where they will renew hostilities with Tanzania. As defending champions, Uganda will enter the title match not only with momentum but with a mission: to wrap up their qualification campaign with regional silverware.
