The Uganda U-17 national football team, known as the Cubs, has clinched a spot in the prestigious TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. Under the strategic leadership of coach Brian Ssenyondo, the Cubs triumphed with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Somalia in the semifinals of the Zonal CECAFA qualifiers on Tuesday in Kampala.
The high-stakes match saw the Cubs deliver a commanding performance, earning their place among Africa’s elite teams for the youth tournament set to be held in Morocco in 2025.
The encounter began as a tightly contested affair, with both sides vying for dominance. Uganda broke the deadlock just before halftime when Abubakali Walusimbi found the back of the net in the 45th minute, giving the home side a crucial advantage heading into the break.
The second half saw the Cubs assert their dominance. Five minutes into the restart, James Bogere doubled Uganda’s lead with a well-taken goal, further cementing their control of the match.
Somalia responded in the 67th minute, with Ibraim Osman netting a goal to keep his team in contention. However, Uganda’s resilience proved too strong to overcome. Bogere sealed the victory with a brace during stoppage time, extinguishing any hopes of a Somali comeback.
The win not only secured Uganda’s place in the U-17 AFCON but also solidified their reputation as a rising powerhouse in youth football. Uganda joins Tanzania, who also qualified from the CECAFA region, in the tournament. Both teams will now prepare to face some of the continent’s best youth sides.
The Cubs’ qualification for the U-17 AFCON adds to Uganda’s growing football achievements. Earlier in November, the senior national team, the Uganda Cranes, qualified for the 2025 AFCON under the guidance of Belgian coach Paul Put. This marks a historic moment for Ugandan football, with two national teams set to represent the country on the continental stage in the same year.
The U-17 AFCON tournament will take place in Morocco from March 30 to April 19, 2025, featuring some of Africa’s most promising young talents. Teams like Egypt, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and host nation Morocco have already secured their spots, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive tournament.
The Cubs’ path to the semifinals showcased their determination and skill, highlighted by a resounding 5-0 victory over Kenya in the final group stage match. Coach Brian Ssenyondo praised his team’s focus and commitment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum as they prepare for the tournament.
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