Uganda Cubs win 2027 CAF U-17 AFCON Zonal qualifiers

The Uganda Cubs are the winners of the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers.

Coach Kingston Laryea’s team stopped Somalia 6-5 in penalty shoot-outs of the final played at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday. The two teams created several scoring opportunities, but it was Uganda’s goalkeeper David Ssegirinya who stood firm making two crucial saves in the last five minutes of the match.

During the penalty shoot-outs Ssegirinya again stopped three penalties to ensure Uganda walked away with the trophy. and stopped It is now Uganda’s third time to win the title in the last six months after also winning in 2020 and 2024.

“I am very happy with the players because we worked so hard topped the group, beat Ethiopia in the semis and now lifted the trophy after winning in the penalties,” said a happy Uganda Cubs coach Laryea.

Henry Muhoozi, Uganda’s captain said it was a very happy moment for him captaining the national team to victory and qualifying for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. “We are very proud of ourselves and than everyone for the support,” added Muhoozi.

Dadir Amin Ali, the Somalia head coach thanked his players for working hard to qualify for the CAF U-17 AFCON and reaching the final. “As a coach I am very proud of my boys because it has been real hard work,” added Ali.

The qualifiers attracted nine teams after Djibouti pulled out few days to kick-off.