Uganda U-17 head coach Laryea Kingston could not hide his pride after guiding the Cubs to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, praising his players for their courage, composure, and determination following a dramatic playoff victory over Ghana in Rabat.
The former Ghana international watched his side edge the Black Starlets 8-7 on penalties after an enthralling 2-2 draw, sealing Uganda’s place at the global tournament in Qatar later this year.
Emotions ran high at full-time, especially for Kingston, who masterminded the victory against his native country in one of the biggest moments in Uganda’s youth football history.
“We are there. We are in the World Cup now,” the Ghanaian-born coach exclaimed moments after the tense shootout triumph on Saturday.
Uganda had to battle from behind twice in a fiercely contested encounter after Ghana struck first through Eric Gyamfi early in the match.
Back-to-back FIFA World Cup Qualification for the Uganda U17 National Boys team – The Uganda Cubs.
Congratulations Boys, for making your country proud 👏👏.Thank you @GovUganda for the financial support, schools and coaches, referees, partners and sponsors, parents, fans,… pic.twitter.com/WGGrMz1MVE
— Moses Hassim Magogo (@MosesMagogo) May 24, 2026
The Cubs, however, responded strongly after switching to a back-three system, a tactical adjustment that shifted momentum in their favour. Captain Owen Mukise brought Uganda level in spectacular fashion by scoring directly from a corner kick before Abdul Latif restored Ghana’s lead in the second half.
Their persistence was rewarded later in the game when a handball inside the Ghana penalty area led to a spot kick, calmly converted by Ibanda Arafat to force penalties.
Kingston was particularly pleased with the bravery his players showed throughout the contest, especially after conceding first against a talented Ghanaian side.
“We took the game to them but they got the goal,” he said. “Throughout the 90 minutes, we were using the ball very well. I give credit to the boys.”
Uganda then displayed remarkable nerve in the shootout, converting under immense pressure to clinch an 8-7 victory and spark wild celebrations among players and staff.
Catch them if you can!
Uganda U17 Men’s team celebrate qualification to the FIFA U17 World Cup! pic.twitter.com/iCX2IgANIl— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) May 25, 2026
The qualification marks only the second FIFA U-17 World Cup appearance in Uganda’s history and further underlines the rapid rise of the country’s youth football structures.
For Kingston, the achievement carries even greater emotional significance given the opposition, but his focus remained firmly on celebrating the players who delivered one of Uganda’s greatest youth football accomplishments.
The Cubs will now turn their attention to representing Uganda on the world stage in Qatar, carrying the hopes of a nation after an unforgettable night in Rabat.
