Uganda’s national U-17 side, the Uganda Cubs, have booked their place at the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after producing a commanding 4-0 victory over Ethiopia in the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers on Saturday.
The emphatic triumph in the first semi-final at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda also propelled coach Kingston Laryea’s charges into the regional final, underlining their growing credentials as they pursue the zonal crown.
Uganda seized control from the outset, with defender Ukashsa Jemba opening the scoring in the second minute.
Jemba unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area that Ethiopian goalkeeper Biniyam Adisu Bancha failed to keep out.
The Cubs doubled their advantage five minutes later through Arnold Kayemba, who continued his impressive tournament form by registering his fourth goal of the competition.
Unable to cope with Uganda’s fluid attacking combinations, Ethiopia struggled to establish a foothold in midfield as the Cubs repeatedly exposed gaps in their defensive structure.
Yusuf Ssenyonga compounded Ethiopia’s misery by scoring twice before half-time, putting Uganda firmly in command and leaving their opponents with a daunting task after the interval.
Ethiopia briefly threatened to reduce the deficit in the 41st minute when Akrem Abduselam Jemal tested Uganda’s defence.
However, goalkeeper David Ssegirinya reacted decisively, punching the effort behind for a corner.
The Ethiopian technical bench attempted to revive the contest after the break by introducing Jonathan Addis Mezgebe, Nurhasen Wujra Negethzi and Zemichael Minyahel Niguse.
The changes, however, failed to alter the course of the match as Uganda comfortably protected their commanding lead.
The Cubs’ latest performance builds on an impressive campaign in which they thrashed Burundi 8-0 before drawing 1-1 with Ethiopia in their Group B fixtures.
Having secured qualification for the continental showpiece, Uganda will now turn their attention to the final, scheduled for October 19, as they seek to crown their campaign with the zonal title.
Hosts Rwanda will face 2022 zonal champions Somalia in the second semi-final, with the winners advancing to the final against Uganda.
The third-place play-off, which will determine the final qualification slot, is also scheduled for October 19.
