2026 AFCON U-17 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers | Boys | Semi-final
- Ethiopia 0-3 Uganda
The Uganda Cubs are heading back to the continental stage after cruising past Ethiopia 3–0 to secure their place at the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The victory in the CECAFA U-17 Championship semi-finals in Addis Ababa marked a solid statement from a team hungry to reclaim its place among Africa’s best.
After a cagey first half at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, the Cubs burst into life right after the break. Lorian Lwesibawa led the charge with two quick goals, easing the early pressure and lifting the team.
Thomas Ogema sealed the result with a calm finish that quieted the home crowd and confirmed Uganda’s long awaited return to AFCON U17, an encouraging sign for the country’s growing youth football system.
Tanzania’s Junior Taifa Stars claimed the second CECAFA ticket after beating Kenya 3–1 in the day’s earlier semi-final.
Nhingo Juma Luzelenga and Luqman Ally Mbalasalu put Tanzania in control before Kenya’s Armstrong Omondi pulled one back. Ft
But Soann Shabani snuffed out any hopes of a comeback with a stoppage-time goal.
Just like in the previous edition, Uganda and Tanzania now meet in the CECAFA final on Tuesday, 2 December at 3:30 pm, while Kenya face hosts Ethiopia for bronze and the region’s final AFCON U-17 slot.
This year’s AFCON U-17 finals will be held in Morocco, where the continent’s top ten teams will also battle for spots at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
