The Uganda U-17 Men’s National Team, the Uganda Cubs, produced a ruthless performance at the Kigali Pele Stadium, blowing away Ethiopia in a high-octane CECAFA U-17 semifinal clash to secure direct qualification for the upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and advance to the regional final.
Uganda made their intentions clear right from the opening whistle, taking control of the encounter with blistering pace and lethal efficiency in front of goal.
2′ — Express Start: Ukashsa Jemba needed just 120 seconds to break the deadlock, opening the scoring with a crisp finish to set the tone.
7′ — Early Double: Before Ethiopia could reset, Arnold Kayemba doubled the lead just five minutes later, leaving the Ethiopian backline reeling.
33′ & 38′ — Ssenyonga Double: Yusuf Ssenyonga then took center stage, firing home two quick-fire goals in the 33rd and 38th minutes to wrap up a remarkable first-half masterclass and send Uganda into the break with a commanding 4–0 cushion.
By reaching the CECAFA U-17 final, the Cubs have officially punched their ticket to the AFCON U-17 finals, satisfying the top objective of their regional campaign.Uganda now await the winner of the second semifinal between hosts Rwanda and Somalia in the grand final.
Despite the setback, Ethiopia’s AFCON dream remains alive.
With the CECAFA region allocated three slots at the continental tournament, Ethiopia will turn their attention to the third-place playoff match against the loser of the Rwanda vs. Somalia semifinal, where the final ticket to the AFCON U-17 tournament will be contested.
