Uganda Cubs booked their place at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations U17 finals after a commanding second-half performance earned them a 3-0 victory over hosts Ethiopia in Sunday night’s semifinal of the ongoing Cecafa U-17 qualifiers at a packed Abebe Bikila Stadium.
The result confirmed Uganda as one of the 12 nations that have already secured qualification alongside Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Angola and Mozambique.
The Cubs entered the semifinals high in confidence after registering three wins and scoring 15 goals in the group stage but Ethiopia who were buoyed by a loud, vibrant crowd, made the opening half difficult.
Uganda struggled to impose their usual intense, front-foot game, with the hosts creating the better early chances.
Despite this, Uganda’s defensive line stayed organised enough to keep the match goalless at the break.
The turning point came immediately after the restart. Uganda forced an early corner that Lorian Lwesibawa curled into the danger area that forced the Ethiopians into errors turning into their own net.
The goal settled Uganda’s nerves and opened the game for the visitors, who began to dominate both territory and possession.
Moments later, Thomas Ogema, alive to a poor defensive clearance, swept home his fourth goal of the tournament to double the lead.
With Ethiopia stretched and desperate, Lwesibawa added a brilliant third from a freekick to put the match well beyond reach.
Coach Layrea Kingston later explained that the Cubs struggled early because the players were overwhelmed by the atmosphere, noting that his centre-backs were ‘a little jittery’ and that the team failed to apply the high pressure they had planned. However, the halftime talk focused calmed the nerves.
Kingston added that although Uganda did not fully produce their usual free-flowing style, the main mission was always qualification.
Uganda will now face Tanzania in a repeat of last final as they continue their pursuit of a second straight continental title.
Tanzania beat Kenya in the other semifinal to qualify. Ethiopia and Kenya will battle for the other remaining slot in the third-place playoff.
2026 Afcon qualifiers
Semifinals results
Tanzania 3-1 Kenya
Ethiopia 0-3 Uganda