Uganda Cubs thrash Ethiopia to qualify for U-17 AFCON
David GOMBE
The Uganda Cubs have qualified for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after a commanding 4-0 victory over Ethiopia on Saturday at the ongoing CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers in Rwanda.
The Cubs wasted no time in the semi-final clash, with Jemba Ukasha opening the scoring in the 1st minute before Arnold Kayemba doubled the lead in the 6th minute.
Yusuf Ssenyonga then sealed the emphatic win with a first-half brace, scoring in the 33rd and 37th minutes to put the game beyond Ethiopia’s reach before the break.
The result means Uganda have sealed a place at next year’s U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which also serves as the route to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Uganda have now progressed to the U-17 continental showpiece for a third consecutive time.
Under the CECAFA Zonal format, the two finalists advance to the final tournament along with the third-placed team.
Meanwhile, Somalia also booked their slot from the CECAFA Zone. The 2022 CECAFA Zonal champions edged hosts Rwanda 5-4 on penalties after the second semi-final ended 1-1 at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday.
Uganda will now face Somalia in the final, while Rwanda will face Ethiopia in the third-place playoff on October 19th with another opportunity to book the final CECAFA slot for the U-17 AFCON.