TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers
Monday Results
- South Sudan 3-2 Sudan
- Ethiopia 3-0 Burundi
- Somalia 1-1 Tanzania
Wednesday
- Somalia v Kenya 2pm
- Ethiopia v Uganda 5pm
- Sudan v Rwanda 8pm
Uganda Cubs will look to build on their impressive attacking display against Burundi when they take on Ethiopia in their second Group B match at the 2027 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers on Wednesday.
The Cubs face Ethiopia at Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda, hoping to strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals after opening their campaign with an 8-0 victory over Burundi on Saturday.
Scotland-based Sebastian Fisher Quinn grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick on his international debut, while Arnold Kayemba scored twice. Arafat Ibanda, Nicholas Kawooya and Junior Afoyrwoth also found the net.
However, coach Laryea Kingston wants his players to maintain their attacking threat while improving their passing and decision-making against a side that could offer a tougher test.
“It was a good performance, but there are so many areas that we need to improve. We are losing too many easy balls, which creates chances for our opponents. We also need to convert more of our chances, but the boys managed to score more goals, so it was a very good start,” Kingston said.
The coach is targeting another three points but insists the team must approach the match patiently and build its score one goal at a time.
“We just want to cross the line well. We come into the game to make sure we take all three points. But to get the three points, we need to score one first. After the first, we look for the next one, and then the next one. I give all the credit to the boys,” he added.
Kingston says his selection will continue to reflect Uganda’s preferred style of play, with the emphasis on players who can keep possession and move the ball effectively.
“We are a ball-playing team. We look at our strengths and style of play, then try to pick the right players who can fit in,” he said.
Kayemba, Fisher Quinn, Ibanda, Kawooya and Afoyrwoth will be among the players expected to provide the attacking threat, while Shaldon Ssevume’s contribution in creating chances could also prove important.
Uganda will draw confidence from its previous meeting with Ethiopia, whom they beat 3-0 in the semi-finals of the 2025 CECAFA U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers in Addis Ababa on November 30.
The current encounter, however, is a group-stage fixture, and another victory would strengthen Uganda’s position in Group B.
Nine teams are competing in three groups. The three group winners and the best-performing runner-up are expected to advance to the semi-finals, while the top three teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2027 AFCON U-17 finals.
In Monday’s Group C match, Somalia and Tanzania drew 1-1. Abdikarin Abdulkadir gave Somalia the lead after one minute before Tanzania captain Elick Yusuph equalised from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.
Wednesday’s other fixtures include Somalia against Kenya in Group C and Sudan against Rwanda in Group A. The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, with the third-place play-off and final set for Monday.
Group standings
Group A
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Rwanda | 3 |
| South Sudan | 3 |
| Sudan | 0 |
Group B
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Uganda | 3 |
| Ethiopia | 3 |
| Burundi | 0 |
Group C
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Tanzania | 4 |
| Somalia | 1 |
| Kenya | 0 |
Source: ChampionSport
