Uganda’s U17 national team, the Uganda Cubs, have qualified for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after thrashing Ethiopia 4-0 in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers semi-final at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda on Saturday.

Coach Kingston Laryea’s side secured their place in the continental finals with a dominant display, scoring all four goals in the first half to book a third consecutive appearance at the tournament.

Defender Ukashsa Jemba opened the scoring in the second minute with a powerful long-range effort that Ethiopian goalkeeper Biniyam Adisu Bancha failed to keep out.

Arnold Kayemba doubled Uganda’s advantage five minutes later, taking his tally to four goals in the tournament.

Ethiopia struggled to contain Uganda’s fluid attacking play, with Yusuf Ssenyonga striking twice before the break to put the Cubs firmly in control.

Ethiopia threatened to reduce the deficit in the 41st minute when Akrem Abduselam Jemal tested Uganda goalkeeper David Ssegirinya, who punched the effort behind for a corner.

After the restart, Ethiopia’s technical bench introduced Jonathan Addis Mezgebe, Nurhasen Wujra Negethzi and Zemichael Minyahel Niguse in an attempt to change the game, but Uganda comfortably managed the contest to seal qualification.

The Cubs reached the semi-finals after an impressive group-stage campaign that included an 8-0 demolition of Burundi and a 1-1 draw against Ethiopia in Group B.

Uganda will now face either hosts Rwanda or Somalia in Monday’s final, with the two sides meeting in the second semi-final to determine their opponent.

The third-place play-off will also be played on October 19, with the bronze-medal winner claiming the region’s third qualification slot for the continental finals.

The top three teams at the CECAFA qualifiers will represent the region at the 2027 U-17 AFCON, with the two finalists and the third-placed side advancing to the tournament.

The continental competition also offers a pathway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where Africa’s quarter-finalists earn places at the global showpiece.

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