Junior Ofoyrwoth will treasure his CECAFA U-17 Championship medal for the rest of his life after scoring the decisive penalty that handed Uganda Cubs the regional title in Kigali, Rwanda.

The El Cambio Soccer Academy winger converted the final kick as Uganda beat Somalia 6-5 on penalties following a goalless draw at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Monday, October 19, 2026.

“It feels good because this was my first time to play in this tournament, so I feel happy. Amazing, amazing,” Ofoyrwoth said after the final.

Although he felt nervous before taking the penalty, encouragement from captain Henry Muhoozi helped him stay composed.

“I was a bit nervous before going there, but my captain is always encouraging me, so that’s good,” he said.

Ofoyrwoth’s kick sealed the Cubs’ victory and qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The final had been tightly contested, with both teams defending well to keep the score goalless. Uganda goalkeeper David Ssegirinya made two crucial saves in the final five minutes of normal time before stopping three penalties in the shootout.

Ofoyrwoth was pleased with his performance and the team’s display throughout the tournament.

“I have enjoyed it because I have played well and also the team, the way we play, it is good, so that’s why,” he said.

The young winger already knows where his winners’ medal will go.

“I’m the champion. I am putting it in the house, specifically in my room, and I will hang it there. It will be there for the rest of my life,” he said.

With the Cubs also qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, Ofoyrwoth hopes to add another medal to his collection.

Asked whether he could bring home a World Cup medal, he replied: “Yeah, maybe”.

Uganda qualified for the World Cup after defeating Ghana’s Black Starlets 8-7 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in a dramatic playoff. The victory secured the 10th and final African slot.

The Cubs previously featured at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, which ran from November 3 to 27.

Ofoyrwoth named in Best XI

Ofoyrwoth’s contribution earned him a place in the tournament’s Best XI and Team of the Tournament as a right winger.

He was joined by goalkeeper David Ssegirinya, left-back Ukasha Jemba, captain and Most Valuable Player Henry Muhoozi, top scorer Arnold Kayemba and Nicholas Kawooya, giving Uganda six players in the team.

Kayemba finished as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, while Ssegirinya was named Best Goalkeeper after his penalty-saving heroics in the final.

Uganda took the gold medals, with Somalia’s Ocean Stars finishing runners-up to claim silver. Rwanda’s Amavubi settled for bronze, while Ethiopia’s Red Foxes won the Fair Play Award.

Uganda, Somalia and Rwanda all qualified for the 2027 U-17 AFCON in Morocco.

Ofoyrwoth’s first CECAFA tournament has brought a regional title, individual recognition and a moment he will remember for years. His next challenge is to help the Cubs make their mark on the continental and world stages.