The Uganda Cubs have defeated hosts Ethiopia 3-0 to qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026.
Uganda became the second team to qualify for the AFCON U-17 showpiece after Tanzania had qualified earlier after stopping Kenya 3-1 in the first semi-final played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
The first half of the match was a tense affair with the two teams defending well and not giving out many scoring opportunities.
After recess Ethiopia thought they had scored, but there was an offside call.
In the 50th minute Lorian Lwesibawa gave Uganda the lead when his corner kick was deflected by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Temesgen Kebede Tadesse for the 2024 champions to take the lead.
Two minutes later a blunder by Ethiopia’s defender Efison Kidane Kindo gave Uganda’s skipper Owen Mukisa chance to drive the ball straight into the net to make it 2-0.
The hosts tried to re-orgnise and push forward, but the Ugandan side stood tall and dominated play in the midfield and defence. After 78 minutes the Ethiopian goalkeeper again failed to block a free-kick by Lorian Lwesibawa and the ball settled in the net for Uganda to increase their lead to 3-0.
Later Uganda’s coach Kingston Laryea made some changes bringing in fresh legs as the hosts got frustrated.
Kingston Laryea, the Uganda Cubs coach credited his team for working hard to win against a strong side. “The boys worked hard and now we turn focus to the final against Tanzania on Tuesday, “ added Laryea.
The play-off match between Kenya and Ethiopia to determine who takes the third slot for the AFCON U-17 next year will be the first match to be played on Tuesday, and the between Tanzania and Uganda will follow.
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