The Uganda Cubs booked their place at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON 2026 with a convincing 3–0 win over Ethiopia on Sunday, a result that also propelled them into the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers final. But for head coach Laryea Kingston, the scoreline was only one chapter in a much larger story of development, adaptation and ambition.
Kingston praised the intensity of the regional tournament, noting that CECAFA’s top nations especially Ethiopia and Tanzania have set high standards in youth development. He believes all three teams are moving in the right direction, including his own, which he says is steadily building toward a clear football philosophy.
Despite the comfortable win, the Cubs found it difficult to play their preferred possession-based game. Kingston explained that the bumpy pitch disrupted their flow and forced them into a more pragmatic approach. He stressed that without proper playing surfaces, young players cannot fully develop the technical qualities demanded at elite level.
One of the standout performers in the squad has been Henry Muhoozi, a player Kingston boldly converted from attacker to deep-lying midfielder. The youngster’s composure and intelligence in tight spaces convinced the coach that he was the ideal choice for the No. 6 role despite initial criticism. Kingston described him as “smart, technically secure and full of potential.”
The coach also spoke about the ongoing process of establishing a distinct playing identity. With limited preparation time, he has focused on fundamental concepts in buildup play and simplified defensive structures. He credited the players for absorbing instructions quickly and showing maturity beyond their age.
Kingston admitted that entering the tournament after five days without the full team left him anxious about whether the group would grasp new ideas in time. But the Cubs adapted instantly, displaying discipline and understanding from their opening match.
As they prepare for the final and the AFCON stage ahead, Kingston believes the biggest victory so far is not just qualification but the rapid evolution of a young team embracing a modern, confident way of playing.
Wow, what a fantastic performance by the Cubs! It’s brilliant to see such growth and a new football identity emerging.