Uganda’s youth football side, the Cubs, captured the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Championship by beating Somalia 6-5 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless final at Kigali Pele Stadium. According to AllAfrica and Nile Post, the match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, with neither side able to break the deadlock despite numerous chances. The victory secured the regional title for Uganda and confirmed their qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The path to the final was marked by a dominant performance in the semi-finals, where Uganda defeated Ethiopia 4-0 on Saturday, October 17. Nile Post reported that defender Ukashsa Jemba opened the scoring in the second minute, followed by a goal from Arnold Kayemba five minutes later. Yusuf Ssenyonga then scored twice before half-time to extend the lead. This result placed Uganda in the final alongside Somalia, who had eliminated hosts Rwanda 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their semi-final encounter.
In the final, KT Press described a cautious start where both teams prioritized defensive discipline. Uganda’s captain, Henry Muhoozi, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, an award presented by CECAFA vice-president Ali Abdi Mohamed. Goalkeeper David Ssegirinya received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, while Arnold Kayemba was recognized as the top scorer. Ethiopia, despite their semi-final loss, received the Fair Play Award.
First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as the Minister for Education and Sports, congratulated the team in a message reported by Nile Post. She thanked God for the players' talent and encouraged them to remain focused as they prepare for the continental competition. "As you prepare for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, may God continue to guide and strengthen you," she said.
Rwanda also secured a place in the 2027 AFCON by defeating Ethiopia 2-1 in the third-place play-off on Monday, October 19. KT Press noted that Rwanda’s head coach Jimmy Murisa described the qualification as a significant achievement following years of investment in youth development. The Cubs will now turn their attention to preparations for the continental finals under Ghanaian coach Kingston Laryea, building on their recent success in the 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup where they reached the round of 16.