2026 CECAFA U-17 AFCON Qualifiers
Goalkeeper David Ssegirinya was Uganda’s hero as the Cubs beat Somalia 6-5 on penalties to win the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA Zone Qualifiers at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda on Monday.
Ssegirinya saved three penalties in the shootout after the two sides had failed to score during regulation time, helping Uganda secure the regional title and qualification for the 2027 U-17 AFCON finals in Morocco.
The goalkeeper had kept Uganda in the contest throughout a tense final, making important saves as Somalia looked to punish the Cubs.
Uganda started on the front foot, pushing forward in search of an early goal, but Somalia defended resolutely and limited their opponents’ clear chances.
Coach Laryea Kingston introduced Sebastian Fisher Quinn for Yusuf Ssenyonga in the second half as Uganda sought to break the deadlock.
The change helped Uganda increase the pressure, but Somalia remained organised and dangerous on the counterattack.
Fisher Quinn came close to scoring when he headed towards goal from a corner, only for a Somali defender to clear the ball off the goal line.
Ssegirinya was equally important at the other end, saving a Somalia free-kick before producing another crucial intervention in the 88th minute, turning a late effort behind for a corner.
Neither side could find a winner, sending the final to penalties, where Ssegirinya made the decisive difference with his three saves as Uganda won 6-5.
His performance earned further recognition when he was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. Uganda’s Henry Muhoozi was named Most Valuable Player, while Arnold Kayemba finished as top scorer. Ethiopia received the Fair Play Award.
The Cubs’ title completed an impressive campaign. They began with an 8-0 victory over Burundi, drew 1-1 with Ethiopia in the group stage and then defeated the same opponents 4-0 in Saturday’s semi-final.
The victory secured Uganda’s qualification for the U-17 AFCON for the third consecutive time. Somalia also qualified by reaching the final, while hosts Rwanda claimed the third CECAFA slot after beating Ethiopia 2-1 in the third-place play-off.
The 2027 U-17 AFCON will be hosted by Morocco, with Africa’s quarter-finalists earning places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Source: ChampionSport Reporter
