The Uganda Cubs have continued to inspire with determination and resilience at the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as the young side battles among Africa’s emerging football nations.
Drawn in Group B alongside DR Congo, Cameroon and Ivory Coast, Uganda arrived in Morocco carrying both national expectations and growing confidence under head coach Laryea Kingston.
The Cubs’ rise in African youth football has been steady and impressive. Uganda has now featured in three U-17 AFCON tournaments — in 2019, 2025 and 2026 — highlighting the progress made in youth football development.
Their first appearance came in Tanzania in 2019, where they exited at the group stage but gained valuable experience. The major breakthrough arrived in 2025 when Uganda reached the knockout stage for the first time, securing the country’s maiden qualification for a FIFA World Cup at any football level.
At the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, the Cubs exceeded expectations by progressing from the group stage to the Round of 16, announcing themselves on the global stage.
Now in Morocco, the Cubs are determined to continue writing history. Uganda opened their campaign in style with an impressive 3-0 victory over DR Congo at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat. The Cubs displayed discipline, composure and attacking quality in a commanding performance.
Midfielder Own Mukisa broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after Uganda controlled much of the opening half. Nicholas Kawooya doubled the advantage just before halftime to hand the Cubs a comfortable lead.
The second half became more challenging after Trevor Mubiru was sent off, reducing Uganda to 10 men. However, the Cubs remained organised defensively and continued to show fighting spirit. Substitute Abulshakur Bobi sealed the memorable victory with Uganda’s third goal.
After the match, coach Kingston praised his players for their discipline, teamwork and maturity under pressure. The victory briefly lifted Uganda to the top of Group B and strengthened hopes of qualification to both the knockout stage and another FIFA U-17 World Cup.
However, the Cubs suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their second group game on Saturday. Uganda started brightly and pressed confidently, but Cameroon’s Abdoulraman Soudeisse capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 24th minute to score the game’s only goal after goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi failed to clear a dangerous delivery.
Uganda continued to battle hard, but Cameroon’s physical presence gradually took control of the contest. Kingston introduced Simon Ngobi, Ibrahim Fahad and Brian Olwa in the second half as Uganda searched for an equaliser, but Cameroon held firm defensively.
Despite the setback, Uganda remains firmly in contention heading into a decisive final group match against tournament favourites Ivory Coast. A positive result could secure another historic qualification and further confirm Uganda’s growing status in African youth football.