Uganda’s Under-17 national football team, the Uganda Cubs, have qualified for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Ethiopia 4-0 in the semi-finals of the CECAFA zonal qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Cubs secured their place in the continental tournament with a commanding display at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, October 17, as they continued their impressive campaign under coach Kingston Laryea.
Defender Ukashsa Jemba opened the scoring just two minutes into the match with a powerful effort from outside the penalty area that Ethiopia goalkeeper Biniyam Adisu Bancha failed to stop.
Uganda doubled their advantage five minutes later through Arnold Kayemba, who registered his fourth goal of the tournament to put the Cubs firmly in control.
Yusuf Ssenyonga then struck twice before half-time, extending Uganda’s lead to four goals and leaving Ethiopia with a difficult task in the second half.
Ethiopia attempted to respond, but goalkeeper David Ssegirinya denied Akrem Abduselam Jemal shortly before the break, punching his effort away for a corner.
The Ethiopian technical team introduced three substitutes after the interval in an attempt to change the course of the game, but Uganda maintained their advantage to seal the emphatic victory.
The Cubs reached the semi-finals after an 8-0 demolition of Burundi and a 1-1 draw against Ethiopia in the group stage, finishing top of Group B on goal difference.
Uganda will be joined at the 2027 AFCON by Somalia, who eliminated hosts Rwanda 5-4 in a penalty shootout after their semi-final ended 1-1. Rwanda and Ethiopia were scheduled to contest the third-place play-off on Monday, October 19, with the winner earning the remaining qualification slot from the CECAFA zone.
The qualification adds to Uganda’s recent progress in youth football, with the Cubs having reached the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Burkina Faso on penalties in the round of 16.