Uganda’s U17 boys team, the Cubs, have been handed a tough Group B at this year’s U17 Africa Cup of Nations, where they will face Ivory Coast, Cameroon and DR Congo.
The draw, held on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt, sets up a challenging path for the young side, who are looking to build on last year’s historic run to the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Now under coach Laryea Kingston, the Cubs head into the tournament with a clear target reach the knockout stage and secure another World Cup spot.
The top eight teams qualify directly, while two more will go through playoffs to complete Africa’s ten representatives.
Uganda knows what it takes. Last year, they beat The Gambia in a playoff to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, a moment that raised belief within the squad.
Preparation has been steady. The team has spent the last three weeks in camp, focusing on fitness, shape and understanding ahead of the tournament in Morocco from 13th May to 2nd June.
Elsewhere, hosts Morocco lead Group A alongside Tunisia, Egypt and Ethiopia.
Group C has Mali, Angola, Tanzania and Mozambique, while Group D includes Senegal, South Africa, Algeria and Ghana.
