Uganda Cubs clinch 2026 CECAFA U-17 championship
David GOMBE
The Uganda Cubs needed a penalty shootout to edge Somalia in the final of the CECAFA U-17 Championship after a goalless final at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday.
After a goalless stalemate in normal time, the winner was determined on penalties with the Cubs prevailing 6-5.
Uganda Cubs goalkeeper David Dean Ssegirinya was the hero, saving three penalties in the shootout.
Somalia goalkeeper Khalid Mohamed had earlier saved Arafat Ibanda’s penalty to give the Ocean Stars an advantage, but Rooble Muhamed failed to secure the title for the Somalis when Ssegirinya denied him.
Henry Muhoozi, Sebastian Fisher, Arnold Kayemba, Nicholas Kawoya, Martin Kayiwa and Junior Ofoyrwoth all converted their penalties for Uganda, while Sumaku Mutawakali and Arafat Ibanda missed from 12 yards.
At the individual awards, Henry Muhoozi was named Most Valuable Player, Arnold Kayemba finished as Top Scorer while David Ssegirinya was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Uganda Cubs, Somalia and Rwanda will represent the East African region at the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations that will be held in Morocco. To qualify for the continental showpiece, The hosts of the Zonal qualifiers Rwanda defeated Ethiopia 2-1 in the play-off match for third place on Monday at the Kigali Pele Stadium.